Mercury Training Camp: DeWanna Bonner – Back in her #24 jersey for Year 17

DeWanna Bonner decided to stay in Phoenix this offseason after playing a pivotal role (again) in the Mercury’s WNBA Finals run.

“This is love. It’s home. It’s peace,” Bonner said.

It’s only fitting that she’ll be back in her usual #24 that the Phoenix faithful are used to.

“It means a lot to me,” Bonner said. “It’s all full circle now.”

Like so many of us, Bonner was monitoring the WNBA CBA negotiations and was encouraged by the result: “Very proud of how the league and the players stood together…it’s monumental for us and monumental for everybody, all women.”

The offseason was also helpful for Bonner to not be in a gym 24/7.

“Tried something different,” Bonner said. “Went into the modeling lane a little bit…focused on my kids. January 1st was when I get back to training. It was nice to get away from basketball a little bit…recalibrate.”

DeWanna Bonner drilling corner treys 🔥@Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/Z8bn0JRYsm

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) April 20, 2026

In addition to the usual training camp topics, this offseason, the Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd first overall to join former UConn teammate and 2025 first overall pick, Paige Bueckers.

In Fudd’s opening press conference, a Dallas reporter asked Fudd about her relationship with Bueckers, who revealed that the two have been dating in July 2025 in a clip during WNBA All-Star Weekend.

Dallas Communications stepped in and said they understand the question but will stay away from answering questions about players’ personal lives.

That started a big conversation online, so I gave a reporter’s perspective on X:

” Fair to ask. Fair not to answer.
This isn’t a new aspect of the women’s game.

Diana Taurasi & Penny Taylor won titles together (they privately dated as teammates, went public after they married in ‘17 when they were no longer teammates).

Alyssa Thomas & DeWanna Bonner have seen plenty of success together & have been public.

We’ve seen breakups & new relationships spark.

I asked Alyssa about DeWanna potentially joining the Mercury last year, knowing she usually doesn’t answer questions about DeWanna, & she didn’t. Still had to ask.

It’s a big deal cause it’s back-to-back first overall picks to the same team but this is all common practice based on respect. “

Who cares about my thoughts compared to someone actually living it, though.

I asked Bonner if she’s ever given advice to younger players on how to navigate teammate relationships and how she goes about giving advice:

“[Alyssa Thomas] and I have been doing this for a long time,” Bonner said. “We know how to handle business when it’s business…it works. We’ve been playing together for 8-9 years now…It’s personal preference and whatever people feel like they need to do in their relationship to keep it going.”

“AT & I been doing this a long time now…it’s personal preference & whatever people feel like they need to do in their relationship to keep it going.”

DeWanna Bonner on her advice about navigating teammate relationships & how she goes about it:@Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/6DtBulJEEx

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) April 20, 2026

Bonner’s leadership will continue to serve this franchise and team well as the 2026 season gets underway.

First preseason matchup is against the Sky on Saturday, April 25 at 1 PM (MST).