Sources: DeWanna Bonner signing with Dream after Mercury buyout - ESPN

Free agent DeWanna Bonner is signing with the Atlanta Dream following her contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

The move adds a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star to a Dream squad that is short on depth and seeking the franchise's first championship.

Bonner's deal for the remainder of the 2026 season will be at the prorated maximum, or about $116,000, and she is expected to sign Thursday. The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were also in the mix for her, sources said, and the Dream had been interested in signing her for multiple years.

Atlanta entered play Wednesday fourth in the standings at 25-13.

Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals this season and started 26 of 37 games for the Phoenix, where she was drafted in 2009 and spent the majority of her 17-season career. She also spent five seasons in Connecticut and played nine games in Indiana last season before parting ways with the team and returning to Phoenix.

Bonner, the second-oldest player in the league at 39, sought a buyout from the Mercury and was granted one with Phoenix eliminated from playoff contention. She cleared waivers Wednesday evening before becoming a free agent.

Phoenix GM Nick U'Ren said in a statement Monday, «Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.»

«At this stage of my career, I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful to the Mercury for giving me the opportunity to play in what could be one of my final postseason opportunities,» Bonner said in a statement. «The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me