Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner on her emotional 2025 season

“So much can change in a year,” she writes. “When I look back, I’m amazed by the journey, the highs, the lessons, the pivots, and the quiet wins that didn’t always make the timeline.”

Bonner has been open about her difficult year, during which she faced online scrutiny after returning to the Phoenix Mercury midseason. The news spread throughout the WNBA and remained a trending topic for the rest of the season and into the offseason.

The Mercury forward initially signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever, brought in for her veteran scoring and leadership on a roster built around rising star Caitlin Clark.

However, things went off track during the summer. Bonner appeared in only nine games for the Fever, averaging career lows in scoring and rebounds, and left the team for “personal reasons.” She was waived on June 25 and rejoined the team that originally drafted her on July 8.

In her time back in the desert, Bonner averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

Now, the two-time WNBA Champion looks back at her year and is grateful.

“This year tested me, stretched me, and reminded me what it means to stand tall as a woman, an athlete, and a force in my own right,” Bonner writes. “I kept my faith first, loved hard, stayed grounded in my craft, and kept showing up even when it wasn’t easy.”

Many WNBA players have shown support on her post, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.

“You are the WOMAN we all inspire to be,” Reese writes. “From your craft to your motherhood to you just being a beautiful amazing human being. You always have a lil sis in me.”

“DB I’ve always looked up to you and admire you as a person and player!” Natasha Howard, a former Fever teammate, also writes. “I’m so proud of you… Thank you for always pouring in me on and off the court. Keep being the bright light you are.”

Bonner’s candid post highlights overcoming not only the physical demands of the sport but also the emotional challenges. While she has not spoken publicly about her fallout in Indiana, the Mercury forward has said she feels back at home in Phoenix and has regained her love for the game since returning.

Concluding her 16th season in the league, many online have speculated that the post could hint at Bonner’s retirement, though she has not commented on it.

“I’m thankful for the people who see me, support me, and love me for me,” writes Bonner. “And walking into what’s next with faith, peace, and purpose.”