If you’ve been following women’s basketball for any length of time, you’ve probably wondered at some point: what’s next for Dewanna Bonner at this stage in her career? The conversation often circles back to one simple but powerful detail — Dewanna Bonner age. At 38 years old, she’s not just another name in the WNBA; she’s living proof of how far talent, adaptability, and love for the game can carry a player in a league that’s constantly evolving.
This year, her journey has taken another fascinating turn, one that combines legacy, leadership, and a return to her roots. Let’s dive in.
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A Birthdate That Now Feels Like a Benchmark
Dewanna Bonner was born on August 21, 1987, in Fairfield, Alabama. For longtime fans, that date might once have just been trivia — now, it’s a reminder of her rare longevity. As of October 2025, Bonner is 38 years old. To put that in perspective, the average age of active WNBA players is roughly 27. That’s an entire decade younger than Bonner.
Yet, while many of her peers from the 2009 draft class have retired, transitioned to coaching, or moved on to overseas commitments, Bonner is still suiting up and contributing on the court. Age hasn’t just been a number in her story — it’s been a defining theme.
Rising Through the WNBA: A Career Built to Last
Before discussing her recent moves, it’s worth remembering just how much Bonner has achieved. Selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2009 WNBA Draft, she made an instant impact. Her lean 6’4” frame, unguardable length, and silky offensive game made her a mismatch nightmare. She helped Phoenix to a championship in her rookie season, immediately carving out a role on a title team.
From there, she became one of the league’s most consistent performers. Across her career, Bonner has collected:
- 6× WNBA All-Star selections
- 2× WNBA Champion (2009, 2014)
- 3× Sixth Woman of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Over 7,000 career points, placing her third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list
And perhaps most impressively: she’s managed to stay relevant through multiple eras — from the Diana Taurasi–Cappie Pondexter era in Phoenix to the rise of new stars like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
2025: A Season That Started With a Surprise
The 2025 season began with a move few saw coming. In February, Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever. For the franchise, which had just experienced a major spotlight surge thanks to Caitlin Clark’s arrival, the signing was symbolic. They weren’t just collecting young talent — they were bringing in veterans who could stabilize the locker room and offer leadership.
For Bonner, it was a chance to join a team on the rise and share her experience with a group hungry to win. She was expected to mentor Clark, Aliyah Boston, and the rest of the young Fever core.
But sometimes, the vision on paper doesn’t match the reality on the court.
Nine Games, A Sudden Exit
Bonner played just nine games for Indiana before things changed dramatically. She missed several contests citing personal reasons. When she returned, both sides acknowledged that the “fit didn’t work out.” In a rare midseason move for a player of her stature, Indiana waived Bonner, making her an unrestricted free agent.
For many players, a midseason release at age 38 might have signaled the end. But for Bonner, it turned into a turning point.
Back to Phoenix: A Full-Circle Moment
The Phoenix Mercury, the franchise where it all began, moved quickly. Within days, Bonner was back in the purple and orange, returning to the team where she won two titles and built her name. For Mercury fans, it was more than a roster move — it was a reunion with a familiar face who had helped define an era.
Her role this time around looks different. She’s not expected to play 35 minutes a night or carry the scoring load. Instead, her value is measured in leadership, situational contributions, and the intangible presence she brings to the floor and locker room.
Playing at 38: What It Really Means
Professional basketball at 38 is not for the faint of heart. The travel, the back-to-backs, the grind — it’s demanding even for players in their prime. For Bonner, thriving at this stage means leaning on experience, not just athleticism.
Here’s what that looks like for her:
- Smarter minutes: She’s averaging around 21 minutes per game, a shift from her career averages, focusing on high-impact stretches.
- Veteran efficiency: Instead of forcing shots, she picks her spots. Her ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions remains valuable.
- Mentorship: Younger teammates look to her for guidance on preparation, composure, and professionalism — the things that don’t show up on a stat sheet.
Dewanna Bonner Age and the WNBA’s Changing Landscape
Her age doesn’t just define her personally; it also highlights how the WNBA is evolving. In the league’s early years, playing into the late 30s was rare. Now, with advances in sports medicine, training, and year-round conditioning, veterans like Bonner, Taurasi, and Sue Bird (before retiring) have extended their careers well beyond what was once expected.
Bonner represents the modern veteran — someone who has adapted her game and embraced new roles to keep contributing meaningfully.
The Legacy Question
At 38, legacy becomes more than a buzzword. Bonner’s numbers already place her among the league’s all-time greats. The question is: how will her final chapters be written?
- Will she chase one more championship with Phoenix?
- Could she transition into coaching or front office work after retirement?
- Might she continue playing beyond this season, defying expectations yet again?
No one knows for sure. But what’s clear is that Bonner has earned the right to write her own ending.
Fans’ Perspective: Admiration and Respect
If you scroll through social media whenever Bonner checks into a game, you’ll see a wave of respect from fans and fellow players alike. She’s widely admired not just for her stats, but for her elegance on the court — that smooth jumper, those long strides in transition, and the quiet leadership she’s embodied for years.
Fans in Phoenix have welcomed her return like a beloved relative coming home. Fever fans, while surprised by the short stint, have also acknowledged the professionalism she brought during her brief time there.
Why Age Has Become Her Advantage
Ironically, what once might have been seen as a liability — age — has now become one of Bonner’s biggest strengths. At 38:
- She understands defensive schemes like a coach.
- She reads the game several steps ahead.
- She knows how to conserve energy and deliver in key moments.
In a league filled with young athletic stars, having someone with that kind of mental edge is invaluable for teams making playoff pushes.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Bonner fits back into the Mercury rotation. She may not be the nightly headline anymore, but her presence could be the difference between Phoenix making a deep playoff run or falling short.
Whatever happens, her journey this season has been compelling — a veteran navigating change, finding her way home, and continuing to inspire through sheer longevity.
Dewanna Bonner age isn’t just a number on a roster sheet. It’s a story of adaptation, resilience, and love for the game. Few athletes get to write their final chapters on their own terms — Bonner seems well on her way to doing just that.
What’s your take on Bonner’s return to Phoenix at 38? Do you think she’ll make one more big playoff impact? Share your thoughts below and keep the conversation going!