Phoenix Mercury Announce Roster Move After DeWanna Bonner Decision

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Phoenix Mercury Announce Roster Move After DeWanna Bonner Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 25, 2026 7:13 PM ET

The Phoenix Mercury quickly filled their open roster spot following the departure of DeWanna Bonner.

DeWanna Bonner Leaves Mercury

Bonner reached a buyout agreement with the Mercury on Monday in order to give the WNBA veteran a chance to join a contender and potentially win another championship. The decision came after Phoenix failed to make the playoffs.

At 38 years old, Bonner’s future beyond the 2026 WNBA season is uncertain, which led to the decision to part ways with the Mercury and leave her partner, Alyssa Thomas, behind.

Bonner appeared in 38 games with the Mercury this season, averaging 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals. She was fourth on the team in scoring and third in rebounds and steals.

Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) reacts after a foul call.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Mercury Announce Roster Move

As Bonner searches for a new team, the Mercury immediately made a signing to bolster their roster for their next few games.

On Tuesday, the Mercury announced that they have signed rookie guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract.

Poffenbarger went undrafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft; however, she was able to land a contract with the Chicago Sky earlier in the season.

The 23-year-old guard appeared in five games for Chicago, averaging 1.2 rebounds and 0.4 steals in 5.2 minutes per game.

The Phoenix Mercury have signed guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract, the team announced today. pic.twitter.com/LRYTUNPSnu
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 25, 2026

In her final year with the Maryland Terrapins, however, Poffenbarger put up 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals in 31 games, all as a starter. She led the team in rebounding and was second in assists and steals.

It remains to be seen if Poffenbarger will be able to make the most of the limited time she has with the Mercury. Considering that Phoenix has nothing left to play for, though, there’s a good chance she gets significant playing time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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