DeWanna Bonner faces career decision after Dream's WNBA Finals loss

Following the Atlanta Dream's loss in the WNBA Finals, veteran forward DeWanna Bonner faces a significant career decision regarding whether to retire or play at least one more season.

The 2026 WNBA Finals

The Golden State Valkyries became WNBA champions in just their second season after defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the Finals at Chase Center. Gabby Williams scored 30 points in the deciding game to earn Finals MVP honors. While the Dream led at halftime, the Valkyries outscored them 44-33 after the break.

Bonner played 14 minutes off the bench in Game 7, scoring four points on 2-of-6 shooting. According to reports, her layup midway through the third quarter gave Atlanta a 37-28 lead, which was the team's largest lead of the night. The Dream outscored Golden State by eight points while Bonner was on the floor, representing the team's best plus-minus.

Career History and Recent Moves

Bonner, 39, joined the Atlanta Dream in late August 2026 after reaching a contract buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury. The move occurred after the Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention on August 22 following a 99-89 loss to the Dream. Bonner cleared waivers on August 26 and signed with Atlanta. ESPN reported her deal was a prorated max contract worth approximately $116,000.

This follows a move in 2025 when Bonner left the Indiana Fever. While some reports suggested she sought to move on, the Fever waived her on June 25, 2025, after reportedly exploring trade possibilities.

Bonner's career includes the following achievements:

• 17 seasons in the WNBA
• Third on the WNBA's all-time scoring list, trailing only Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles
• One of only four players to score 8,000 points in a career (the fourth being Nneka Ogwumike)
• Six All-Star appearances, with the most recent in 2024
• Three consecutive Sixth Player of the Year awards between 2009 and 2011
• All-WNBA First Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2015
• All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2020

Public Reaction

The Dream's loss has drawn criticism from some WNBA fans regarding Bonner's mid-season moves. Some fans characterized her moves as "ring chasing," with one fan stating, "DeWanna Bonner left two separate teams in two different seasons to ring chase. She didn’t ask. She just stopped playing."

In a statement regarding her departure from Phoenix, Bonner said, "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."

Why it matters

Bonner's decision will determine if she continues her pursuit of a third championship or retires from professional basketball. Her career has been defined by high-level scoring and veteran leadership, having been instrumental in two championship runs during her time with the Phoenix Mercury.

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Sources

• si.com: DeWanna Bonner Faces Tough WNBA Career Decision After Dream’s Finals Defeat
• aol.com: ‘Ring Chasers Will Not Be Rewarded,’ ‘Left Her Team To Lose Again’ – WNBA Fans Troll DeWanna Bonner After Dream’s Championship Loss vs. Valkyries - AOL

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.