Yesterday, guard/forward DeWanna Bonner re-signed a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner was one of the WNBA's top restricted free agents in the 2012-2013 offseason.
Bonner was the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year for three seasons from 2009-2011 and helped the Mercury win the 2009 Finals over the Indiana Fever. In 2012, Bonner was the team's primary offensive option due to injuries to other stars on the team, including Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, and Candice Dupree. By enjoying a prominent role on the team, DeWanna averaged career highs in scoring (20.6), rebounds (7.2), assists (2.2), and steals (1.7) per game.
Mercury Head Coach and General Manager Corey Gaines had this to say on her signing:
DeWanna is a superstar in this league. Last year we saw her true abilities as a playmaker and leader of our team. She can score the ball from anywhere on the court and create mismatches with anyone we play. No one in the WNBA has a player like DB.
While it certainly was a protracted wait for Mercury fans to see whether a key free agent would return given her skill set, Bonner's re-signing is a much needed boost not only because her addition would make this team a potential favorite for the 2013 Western Conference championship if not better, but also because she would be one of the key members in a younger core for the Mercury, which include guard Samantha Prahalis, and a yet-to-be-named rookie with the 1st pick in the 2013 Draft, who will be officially named this Monday.