In the WNBA off-season, veteran forward DeWanna Bonner is prioritizing personal healing and time away from the spotlight following a tumultuous 2025. The 38-year-old, now with the Phoenix Mercury, has faced significant professional upheaval, including a short and contentious stint with the Phoenix mercury earlier in the year.
Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, signed with the Fever in February 2025, reuniting with former coach Stephanie White. Expectations were high for the scoring legend to provide veteran leadership alongside rising stars like Caitlin Clark. However, after just nine games—where her role diminished to coming off the bench—Bonner stepped away citing personal reasons. Reports later emerged that she had no interest in returning, leading to her waiver in June.
The departure was described as mutual but messy, with Bonner reportedly dissatisfied with her fit on the young roster. She missed five consecutive games before the Fever released her, allowing her to clear waivers and sign a prorated deal to return to Phoenix in July—a homecoming to the franchise that drafted her in 2009. There, she reunited on the court with fiancée Alyssa Thomas, who had joined the Mercury earlier in the offseason.
Sources close to the situation indicate Bonner’s time off now focuses on emotional recovery after the abrupt team change and the pressures of a 16-year career. As a mother of twin daughters and one of the league’s all-time great scorers (third on the WNBA’s scoring list), Bonner has often spoken about balancing family, mental health, and basketball.
While no official statement confirms a breakup with longtime partner Alyssa Thomas—the couple has been engaged since 2023 and frequently celebrated publicly—no recent joint appearances or posts have surfaced amid the off-season quiet. Fans speculate the year’s stresses may have impacted their relationship, but both players remain private.
Bonner’s resilience has defined her career, from championships in Phoenix to deep playoff runs in Connecticut. As the 2026 season approaches, this break could prove vital for her return stronger, both personally and professionally. The WNBA community sends support to one of its enduring stars during this healing period.
