DeWanna Bonner joins the Atlanta Dream after leaving the Phoenix Mercury
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
DeWanna Bonner has joined the Atlanta Dream following the conclusion of the Phoenix Mercury's playoff run. The veteran forward signed with the franchise after opting to depart Phoenix, citing the team's locker room culture and a direct appeal from head coach Karl Smesko as primary factors in her decision. Bonner recently made her debut for the Dream in a contest against the Lynx, contributing seven points in the game led by teammate Allisha Gray’s 23 points. Her arrival adds experience to an Atlanta roster that secured a playoff berth under Smesko’s leadership. The move comes amid recent praise for Smesko’s coaching and team-building, which has also been noted by other players within the organization, including Angel Reese.
- •DeWanna Bonner signed with the Atlanta Dream after her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury ended.
- •Bonner scored seven points in her debut for Atlanta against the Lynx.
- •Allisha Gray led the Atlanta Dream with 23 points in the same matchup.
- •Head coach Karl Smesko has received public praise from players for his coaching and team management.
- •The Atlanta Dream secured a playoff ticket earlier in the current campaign.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — DeWanna Bonner Shares Why Atlanta Was Her Choice For A Possible Final Postseason Run
- 12:22 PMYahoo Sports — DeWanna Bonner Opens Up on Karl Smesko’s Pitch Behind Her Mercury Exit
"DeWanna Bonner is officially part of the Dream franchise after spending the entire regular season with the Mercury. Bonner signed with Atlanta soon after Phoenix was chucked out of the playoffs, in a move that delightfully surprised many. Most fans were quite happy to see Bonner with contenders like Atlanta, considering that she might just [...]
"DeWanna Bonner seems to have put quite a bit of thought into her decision to play for the Dream in the remainder of this season. Bonner was part of the Phoenix franchise from the beginning of the campaign but soon left the team after they did not make the playoffs. Bonner being part of the [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 12:00 PMDeWanna Bonner Shares Why Atlanta Was Her Choice For A Possible Final Postseason Run
DeWanna Bonner seems to have put quite a bit of thought into her decision to play for the Dream in the remainder of this season. Bonner was part of the Phoenix franchise from the beginning of the campaign but soon left the team after they did not make the playoffs. Bonner being part of the [...]
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 12:22 PMDeWanna Bonner Opens Up on Karl Smesko’s Pitch Behind Her Mercury Exit
DeWanna Bonner is officially part of the Dream franchise after spending the entire regular season with the Mercury. Bonner signed with Atlanta soon after Phoenix was chucked out of the playoffs, in a move that delightfully surprised many. Most fans were quite happy to see Bonner with contenders like Atlanta, considering that she might just [...]
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 6:47 PMThe four factors for Valkyries vs. Dream that will decide who wins WNBA Finals
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 5:34 PMGolden State Valkyries reach WNBA Finals with expansion blueprint
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 2:37 PM‘The point is to sow division’: WNBA trans athlete debate exposed as ‘manufactured outrage’- WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 5:51 AMGray optimistic about her availability for Dream in Game 1 of WNBA Finals
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 12:17 AMAllisha Gray injury update: Dream All-Star remains 'day-to-day' ahead of WNBA Finals
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 9:32 PMAngel Reese's WNBA Finals appearance comes with unexpected controversy for Atlanta Dream
