Bonner Returns to Phoenix: No Regrets After WNBA Journey

DeWanna Bonner is back in Phoenix and feels happy. The veteran player, who spent her first ten years of her career with the Mercury, returned to the team after a five-year period with the Connecticut Sun and a brief stint with the Indiana Fever at the beginning of the 2025 season.

I wouldn’t change anything. My journey is my journey, and I accept it. It has brought me to where I am now, in Phoenix, and it happened that way for a reason.

DeWanna Bonner

Bonner, 37, prefers to focus on her future with Phoenix, without dwelling on the past or what didn’t work in Indiana, where the team released her. The player found the rumor that she was unhappy about coming off the bench funny, after having been a starter in the first games with the Fever. In the opening game, Bonner moved up to third place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.

That was never the problem. I have never been like that. I have no problem coming off the bench. I have never been that player. I don’t think I have that reputation.

DeWanna Bonner

Phoenix began a five-game road trip in New York on Friday night, losing 89-76. Bonner scored nine points.

DB is a great addition for us. She can play positions 2, 3, and 4, and even some 5, depending on the lineups we use in the future. She has won championships. In her second game with us, we went to Golden State, we had some injuries, and she scored 22 points and got 11 rebounds. We wouldn’t win that game without her, so she’s been a great addition for us.

Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix coach

The Mercury will face Indiana on Wednesday, and Bonner said she is not sure what the fans’ reaction will be.

I’m just going to go out and do my job. They have every right to do what they want. I’m just going to go out and compete with my team.

DeWanna Bonner

For Bonner, not everything was negative in Indiana, as he was only a four-hour drive from his twin daughters, who will soon turn 8 years old. Bonner hopes to lead the Mercury to another championship. She helped the franchise win two titles after being selected fifth overall in 2009.

Returning to Phoenix after so long, the affection and welcome I received was very necessary and appreciated. Seeing people I know again.

DeWanna Bonner

The biggest change he’s noticed since he left is the building where the team plays.

I enter the stadium on game day and I had no idea where I was, and it was crazy because I was there 10 years every day. Everything is different, but the fans are still the same, and some people in the front office too.

DeWanna Bonner