When DeWanna Bonner first stepped onto a WNBA court in 2009, she played with a fire that made her impossible to ignore. Fast forward sixteen seasons, and Bonner’s name is etched in the league’s history books—two-time champion, six-time All-Star, and third on the all-time scoring list. But as the 2025 season drew to a close, the veteran forward made a decision that surprised fans and insiders alike: she’s stepping away from the spotlight, prioritizing personal healing after a year that tested her in ways few could imagine.

A Season of High Hopes—and High Drama

The year began with promise. In February, Bonner signed with the Indiana Fever, reuniting with her former Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White. The move was billed as a masterstroke for a team eager to blend youthful energy—led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark—with Bonner’s battle-tested leadership. Expectations soared: could Bonner be the missing piece to guide the Fever back to playoff relevance?

But the reality was more complicated. After just nine games, Bonner found herself coming off the bench—a role that felt unfamiliar and, according to sources, unsatisfying for a player of her caliber. By early summer, she had missed five consecutive games, officially stepping away for personal reasons. Rumors swirled: Was it injury? Was it burnout? Was it a clash of personalities in the locker room?

The answers, it turned out, were deeply personal. Bonner reportedly struggled to find her fit on a young, evolving roster. The team described her departure as “mutual,” but insiders called it “messy.” She had no interest in returning, and by June, the Fever waived her, allowing Bonner to clear waivers and explore her next move.

A Phoenix Homecoming—and a Chance to Heal

For Bonner, the next chapter was both familiar and fraught with emotion. In July, she signed a prorated deal to return to the Phoenix Mercury—the franchise that drafted her sixteen years ago. It was a homecoming in every sense, and it came with an unexpected twist: she’d be suiting up alongside her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, who had joined the Mercury earlier in the offseason.

The reunion on the court was a moment fans had dreamed about. Bonner and Thomas, engaged since 2023 and often celebrated as one of the WNBA’s most beloved couples, brought a unique chemistry to the Mercury’s lineup. But as the off-season arrived, both stars retreated from the public eye. No joint appearances, no Instagram posts, no interviews—just a quiet, private pause that left fans speculating.

Balancing Basketball, Family, and Mental Health

Bonner’s off-season isn’t just about basketball—it’s about survival and self-care. The pressures of a 16-year career, the abrupt team change, and the demands of motherhood have converged into a moment of reckoning. As a mother of twin daughters, Bonner has long spoken about the challenge of balancing family life with the relentless grind of the WNBA. She’s been candid about mental health, the need for rest, and the importance of showing up for her children as much as for her team.

Sources close to Bonner say she’s focusing on emotional recovery, a process that’s as much about healing old wounds as it is about preparing for what comes next. “She’s always been resilient,” says one former teammate. “But this year, she’s learning to be gentle with herself, too.”

Relationship Rumors and the Power of Privacy

In the social media age, every absence sparks rumors—and Bonner’s off-season has been no exception. With no official statement confirming a breakup between Bonner and Thomas, fans have wondered if the stresses of 2025 have taken a toll on their relationship. The couple has always been private, sharing only glimpses of their lives together, and this season’s silence has only fueled speculation.

But for Bonner, privacy isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. The scrutiny that comes with being a public figure, especially in women’s sports, can be overwhelming. By stepping back, Bonner is reclaiming control over her narrative, choosing healing over headlines.

Looking Ahead: Will Bonner Return Stronger?

Bonner’s career has always been defined by resilience. From her championship runs in Phoenix to her deep playoff pushes in Connecticut, she’s shown an ability to adapt, evolve, and lead. Now, as the 2026 season approaches, fans and pundits alike are asking: Will this break be the key to a new chapter? Can Bonner return stronger, both personally and professionally?

The WNBA community is behind her. Teammates, coaches, and fans have sent messages of support, recognizing that sometimes the bravest move isn’t fighting through adversity—it’s stepping back, healing, and coming back on your own terms.

For now, Bonner’s story is one of quiet strength. She’s a mother, a partner, a champion, and a survivor. Whether she returns to the court next season or takes more time for herself, one thing is clear: DeWanna Bonner’s legacy is bigger than basketball. It’s about courage, authenticity, and the power of knowing when to put yourself first.

Stay tuned—because if history is any guide, Bonner’s next move will be worth watching.