DeWanna Bonner Faces Career Crossroads After WNBA Finals Loss

Following the Atlanta Dream's 68-63 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, veteran forward DeWanna Bonner is weighing her future in professional basketball. The 39-year-old, who joined the Dream in late August after a contract buyout from the Phoenix Mercury, concluded her 17th season without securing a third championship title. As an unrestricted free agent, Bonner now faces the choice of retiring or returning for an 18th season.

Bonner’s mid-season move to Atlanta was intended to provide her with a final opportunity to compete for a championship. While she struggled to score efficiently during the Finals, her contributions were pivotal in the team's postseason run, particularly during the semifinals against the New York Liberty. Despite the championship loss, Bonner achieved personal milestones, including becoming the first player in league history to record 600 postseason defensive rebounds and extending her record for most playoff games played to 110.

The veteran's decision to leave Phoenix for Atlanta has sparked varied reactions among fans and observers. While some supporters praised her leadership and veteran presence, others criticized her for leaving the Mercury late in the season to join a contender. Critics have labeled her a "ring chaser" for her recent team changes, though Bonner has maintained that her focus was on finding a competitive environment for the final stages of her career.

Addressing the speculation surrounding her future, Bonner shared an emotional message on social media days after the Game 7 defeat. She described her time in Atlanta as "life changing" and expressed deep gratitude toward her teammates, the organization, and the fans. Regarding her next steps, she remained non-committal, stating, "And as for what's next? Just remember, if you didn't hear it from me, you haven't heard it yet."

Teammates have been vocal in their support of the veteran forward. Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to play alongside Bonner, regardless of the veteran's decision for the upcoming season. Other teammates and former colleagues also shared messages of support, highlighting the strong bond formed during her brief tenure with the Dream.

Bonner’s legacy in the WNBA is already firmly established, regardless of her final decision. She currently ranks third on the league’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles, and is one of only four players to surpass 8,000 career points. With six All-Star appearances and a record three Sixth Player of the Year awards, she remains one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.

As the offseason begins, the Atlanta Dream organization has indicated a desire to keep its core group together for future campaigns. Whether that group will include the 39-year-old remains the primary question. For now, Bonner has opted to keep her plans private, leaving the basketball community to wait for an official announcement regarding her potential retirement or return to the court.