Why the Mercury are buying out DeWanna Bonner's contract

The Phoenix Mercury are set to buy out the contract of veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who will have a chance to join a contender and possibly win her third WNBA championship before retiring. Bonner, 38, was with the Mercury during last season's playoff run, which ended with a loss to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday. The team's general manager, Nick U’Ren, expressed appreciation for Bonner's leadership, experience, and competitiveness, stating that the buyout agreement was made possible by their relationship.

Bonner, drafted fifth overall by the Mercury in 2009, has won two championships in her first six years with the team. She has been a six-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA selection, and her scoring prowess is evident with an active scoring record of 8,200 career points.