DeWanna Bonner's exit from the Phoenix Mercury is arguably the biggest shock of the 2026 WNBA season. In hindsight, the high-cost trade for Kelsey Plum now looks even dearer after Bonner's announcement. The Mercury gave up considerable assets to bring Plum onto the roster, and now, with one less star in Phoenix, the likelihood of retaining the four-time All-Star's services has vastly decreased.
Breaking: DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury have agreed to a contract buyout, the team announced.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 24, 2026
GM Nick U'Ren: "We worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason."
Frankly, the Mercury's season has been nothing short of a disaster this year -- especially given the team featured in the 2025 WNBA Finals. Bonner has been one of the few bright spots during a dark period for the franchise, and her departure only signifies how far Phoenix has fallen in the space of 12 months.
Before Kelsey Plum landed in Phoenix, Bonner was doing a fine job as the team's third offensive option. While the Mercury have struggled all year long, the 17-year veteran has averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Bonner proved that alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Phoenix still had a talented core, despite already missing out on a playoff berth.
Nevertheless, with her exit confirmed, the roster already looks more fragile, and it is hard to believe that Kelsey Plum isn't contemplating her future with the franchise.
Plum's future has surely been plunged into doubt
I must confess, I was one of the few people who believed the Kelsey Plum trade was a positive move by the Phoenix Mercury -- even if they heavily overpaid. It's a lot easier to convince a star of the front office's vision if they are in the building. However, in this case, it could be argued that they have shown a lack of vision, sanctioning the departure of an integral part of the roster.
Phoenix showed serious ambition in their blockbuster trade for Plum, but the Los Angeles Sparks requested expensive compensation in return. The Mercury surrendered a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and Monique Akoa Makani. They gambled their future in order to win now and increase their chances of tying Plum down to a longer-term deal at the end of the current campaign, when her contract expires.
Since this trade took place, the talented guard has made just four appearances for the Mercury, averaging 17.3 minutes per game -- confirming that the front office paid too heavy a price for such a short amount of time.
Despite barely featuring since her move from Los Angeles, Plum has showcased why she's a player in such high demand -- recording 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and one steal per game, while shooting 52.8% from the floor and 40% from deep.
It is understandable why the Phoenix Mercury gambled their future on acquiring the services with the ability of Kelsey Plum. However, DeWanna Bonner's move away from the franchise decimates any remaining hope Phoenix had of extending Plum's contract. The blockbuster trade is looking worse by the minute.
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