Phoenix Mercury re-sign DeWanna Bonner

The Phoenix Mercury have re-signed DeWanna Bonner. Bonner will make her return to the WNBA in 2018 after missing the 2017 season due to pregnancy.

The Mercury designated Bonner as their 2018 core player last month. The length of Bonner’s new contract was not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to officially announce the return of DeWanna Bonner to our team,” said Mercury general manager Jim Pitman in Tuesday’s release. “She is one of the top players in the world on both ends of the floor, she is a great teammate, and she belongs in a Mercury uniform.

The 6’4 forward was selected fifth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Mercury. The three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year was also an All-Star and First Team All-WNBA selection in 2015.

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“Adding a player of her caliber to our core of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, and to a team that made the semifinals last season, gets us even closer to our goal to bring a fourth championship to Phoenix,” Pitman added.

Bonner has been through eight seasons with the Mercury and been a key contributor in both their championship seasons. Perhaps most important of all, she has contributed in different roles over the years in Phoenix. Bonner’s usage shot up in 2012 when Diana Taurasi missed time (hip) and in 2015 when Taurasi sat out the entire season.

“We are very excited to welcome DB back to our team this year,” added Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello. “Her length, athleticism and versatility make us a much more complete and dynamic team at both ends of the floor. She will be called on to not only guard the best perimeter players, but to be a focal point in the offense with her ability to shoot threes and attack the basket for finishes for herself or to create open looks for her teammates.”

Angel Robinson is the only member of the 2017 Mercury roster that remains unsigned.