Sun Sign Bonner

DeWanna Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion with Phoenix, has been
acquired by the Connecticut Sun from the Mercury for three first-round
draft picks.

UNCASVILLE—The Connecticut Sun announced today that DeWanna Bonner has been acquired from the Phoenix Mercury and signed to a multi-year contract. In return, the Mercury receive three first round picks, including the Sun’s two in 2020 (7 and 10) and one in 2021.

Per team policy, no details were released.

Bonner brings a list of accomplishments to the Sun from her illustrious 10-year career in the league, all with the Mercury. The two-time WNBA Champion, three-time WNBA All-Star and three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year adds versatility to Connecticut on both sides of the ball. In 2019, she started all 34 regular season games as well as Phoenix’s post-season game against Chicago. The Auburn University graduate averaged 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists. She finished the season ranked fifth in the league in scoring and ninth in the league in rebounds.

Throughout her career, Bonner has scored a career-high 38 points two times, grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds against Atlanta on Aug. 17, 2018 and dished out a career-high seven assists on five occasions. Most recently, she scored a season high 31 points against the Seattle Storm on May 5, 2019.

“We are ecstatic to add and welcome DeWanna Bonner and her family to the Sun,” head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. “She is an established all-star in our league and one of the most versatile players in our game. DB’s talent is undeniable but most impressive to me was the praise she had for our roster and her desire to join our nucleus as we chase our first championship.”

The 6-4 forward was selected fifth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Mercury. That same year, the Mercury went on to win the 2009 WNBA Championship. Additional accolades over her career include 2018 Comeback Player of the Year (AP), 2015 All-WNBA First Team and 2019 All-WNBA second team (AP). She departs Phoenix ranked No. 1 in career rebounds (2,072), No. 2 in career points (4,820) and No. 2 in games played (335). Bonner averages 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for her career.

“I’m excited to play with this talented group and do whatever I can to help this organization hang its first championship banner,” Bonner said. “Nothing is more important to me than winning.”

Bonner graduated from Auburn in 2009 as the career scoring leader with 2,162 points. She set the school’s single-season scoring record with 716 points and ranks second on Auburn’s all-time rebounding list with 1,047 boards. As a senior she posted 21.1 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game in 33.0 minutes of action. The same year she led the SEC in scoring and was one of eight players in the country ranked in the top 25 in scoring and top 80 in rebounding. Over the course of her four-year collegiate career Bonner averaged 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

The 2020 Connecticut Sun season will commence on May 16 when the New York Liberty come to town for a 7 p.m. tip-off at the Mohegan Sun Arena. For tickets and information, visit ConnecticutSun.com.

—Staff Reports

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