Following year hiatus, Bonner returning to Phoenix

PHOENIX— The Phoenix Mercury are welcoming a familiar addition to their roster.

DeWanna Bonner returns to her former team after sitting out the 2017 season due to pregnancy, the Mercury announced via press release. In 2016, Bonner averaged 14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Mercury. That season, Bonner, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi were the only trio of teammates to rank in the top-15 in league scoring.

Bonner was the fifth pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, and has plenty of accolades. She’s a two-time WNBA Champion (2009, 2014) and three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011). She was also an All-Star and All-WNBA First Team selection in 2015. In 2014, she also led the league in defensive efficiency.

Bonner is regarded as one of the best two-way players in the league and will make an immediate impact with her former team.

“We are very excited to welcome DB back to our team this year,” Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello said. “Her length, athleticism and versatility make us a much more complete and dynamic team at both ends of the floor. She will be called on to not only guard the best perimeter players, but to be a focal point in the offense with her ability to shoot threes and attack the basket for finishes for herself or to create open looks for her teammates.”