Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner is seriously contemplating retirement once the current WNBA season concludes.
The 17-year league veteran and two-time champion recently discussed her future in an episode of ESPN’s original docuseries “Life in the W.”
During the conversation, Bonner made clear that she is evaluating whether she wants to continue competing at the highest level after this campaign.
“I don’t know if this is for me anymore; maybe this is the last year,” Bonner said. “My ultimate dream is to be in the front office.”
Her comments come as she approaches two full decades of professional basketball, a span that has included championship success and consistent production.
Multiple factors this season appear to have influenced her perspective on potentially stepping away from the game. One major development involved her partner, Alyssa Thomas, who received a one-game suspension from the WNBA earlier in the year.
Thomas was disciplined after driving her fist into the neck of Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark during a matchup.
The incident sparked significant fallout for the couple, who faced intense criticism from fans along with death threats in the aftermath. Bonner herself became embroiled in controversy following a heated on-court exchange with Fever player Sophie Cunningham on June 22.
The confrontation quickly gained attention and produced a finger-pointing moment that turned into a widely circulated meme across social media.
That episode placed the Mercury veteran in an unfavorable light among some observers and added to the challenges of the season.
Despite the turbulence both on and off the floor, Bonner continued to deliver notable performances and reached a historic individual milestone. She joined an exclusive group as only the third player in WNBA history to score 8,000 career points, standing alongside Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles.
Bonner achieved the landmark on July 7 in a game against the Chicago Sky. She finished that contest with 12 points and seven rebounds while logging 31 minutes of action. Chicago ultimately spoiled the occasion by securing a 77-66 road victory over the Mercury.
Throughout her long career, Bonner has established herself as a reliable scorer, rebounder and competitor known for her durability and impact.
If she ultimately decides to hang up her jersey after the present season, there is little question that her body of work ranks among the more accomplished of her era.
The combination of championships, longevity and statistical achievements would leave her with a résumé few players can match.
Bonner’s potential transition toward a front-office role would represent a natural next step for a player who has experienced nearly every aspect of the professional game.
For now, she remains focused on the remainder of the WNBA schedule while keeping her options open regarding what comes next.
