In a move that’s already stirring deep conversation across the WNBA landscape, DeWanna Bonner, one of the league’s most respected and seasoned veterans, has made it known—she has no intention of returning to play for the Indiana Fever. As first reported by Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, Bonner’s eyes are locked on either a reunion with the Phoenix Mercury or a fresh chapter with the rising Atlanta Dream. And while this revelation might come as a surprise to some, those who’ve followed Bonner’s career know that every move she makes is both personal and purposeful.
Bonner, 36, is not just any player. A five-time WNBA All-Star, two-time champion, and a name synonymous with consistency, grit, and longevity, she has carved out a career that demands respect. Her impact on and off the court has helped shape locker rooms, energize fanbases, and guide franchises. But now, as her career enters its twilight phase, the veteran forward seems more focused than ever on controlling her narrative, setting the terms of her own ending, and aligning herself with an environment that complements her ambitions.
While Indiana Fever fans may have been holding onto hope for her return—especially given the franchise’s growing national attention thanks to the arrival of Caitlin Clark—Bonner’s stance has poured cold water on any such expectations. The Fever are undergoing a transformation, yes, but Bonner’s decision signals that not every veteran is looking to jump aboard the momentum of youth. For someone who’s spent nearly two decades forging her legacy, returning to Indiana may not align with her goals. Whether it’s the system, the direction, or simply personal preference, Bonner’s message is clear: her time in Indiana is over.
What’s more intriguing are the two franchises she’s expressed interest in: Phoenix and Atlanta. Both offer drastically different but equally compelling propositions.
Phoenix, of course, is where Bonner spent the bulk of her WNBA career. She was drafted by the Mercury in 2009 and played there for a decade. With Diana Taurasi still anchoring the team and Brittney Griner gradually regaining form, a reunion would be more than nostalgic—it could be strategic. The Mercury have struggled with inconsistency over the past few seasons, but adding Bonner back into the mix could be the stabilizing force they need. She knows the culture. She knows the city. And more importantly, Phoenix knows her worth. For a franchise looking to make one last meaningful push before Taurasi inevitably retires, Bonner could be the missing piece.
Atlanta, on the other hand, presents a different kind of opportunity. The Dream are young, energetic, and brimming with promise. Adding a veteran like Bonner would not only provide immediate on-court benefits but also deliver invaluable leadership to a youthful roster looking to make the leap from exciting to elite. With stars like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray leading the charge, Bonner could play the role of mentor while still contributing at a high level. Atlanta has long been considered a sleeping giant in the WNBA, and bringing in someone with Bonner’s playoff pedigree might just be the spark that awakens them.
Of course, nothing in professional sports is ever just about basketball. There’s also the deeply personal layer of Bonner’s relationship with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, who still plays for the Connecticut Sun. That relationship adds an emotional dimension to any decision Bonner makes about her future. And with the Sun parting ways with Bonner in a bold roster move, it makes the situation even more complex. Is distance a factor? Is this about personal space, professional evolution, or both? The public may never get the full story, but the decision resonates far beyond the court.
For Indiana, the news may sting. Bonner was not only a productive player but also a respected voice in the locker room and a bridge between eras. Her absence next season leaves a void that won’t be easy to fill, especially for a franchise already navigating the growing pains of integrating young stars into a competitive environment. While Caitlin Clark brings generational talent, and the Fever’s young core is undoubtedly promising, there’s still a steep learning curve in the WNBA—and having a steady veteran like Bonner would have helped smooth that transition.
For the league, Bonner’s decision is a reminder of the growing power and autonomy players are asserting over their careers. The WNBA is no longer a place where veterans quietly fade into the background. It’s a league where stars are deciding where they want to be, how they want to be used, and under what conditions they’re willing to continue competing. Bonner’s preferences send a message: this is a player who still has the talent and leverage to choose her own path.
It also places pressure on Phoenix and Atlanta to act. If either franchise believes Bonner is the key to unlocking another level of competitiveness, the clock is ticking. She won’t be available forever. And though age may be creeping into the conversation surrounding her longevity, Bonner has shown few signs of decline. She continues to contribute significantly, defend at a high level, and make clutch plays when they matter most.
The Mercury, currently navigating their own transitional period, could use a familiar face who already understands the franchise’s DNA. Bringing Bonner back wouldn’t just be about basketball—it would be about restoring identity. Meanwhile, the Dream—eager to prove that their playoff ambitions are more than just talk—could see Bonner as the kind of addition that brings both credibility and experience to a young, fearless squad.
Bonner’s future, wherever it lands, will no doubt shape the storylines of the upcoming WNBA season. She’s more than just a free agent; she’s a cultural force, a locker room leader, and a player whose very presence elevates a franchise’s legitimacy. Fans across the country will be watching closely to see where she signs, how she performs, and what kind of impact she can still deliver at this stage of her legendary career.
One thing is certain—she’s not done yet.
Whether it’s the bright lights of Phoenix or the fresh energy of Atlanta, Bonner’s next move will be deliberate, impactful, and closely followed. In a league growing more competitive by the year, having a player of her caliber, intelligence, and leadership can shift the balance. And in a career filled with triumphs, reinvention, and reinvention again, her latest chapter might just be her most powerful yet.
As the offseason unfolds, one of the WNBA’s most decorated stars is writing her own ending—and refusing to let anyone else hold the pen.
