As WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner has already packed her bags to leave Phoenix, it seems like some uncomfortable tampering talks will follow her.

“If DeWanna immediately ends up on the Aces after the Nalyssa injury, the WNBA need to investigate the tampering around her,” WNBA reporter Mick’s X post read on August 25. “Phoenix already admitted to trying to sign her while she was still under contract in Indy a year ago.”

The latest 99-89 loss to the Atlanta Dream closed playoff doors on the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner immediately sought a contender and agreed to a contract buyout with the Mercury on August 24.

Mick's claim comes despite Phoenix’s GM Nick U’Ren calling it a move to give “her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”

The 3rd-seeded Las Vegas Aces have forward Nalyssa Smith out due to a lower-body injury. They can certainly use the 6X All-Star and 2X WNBA Champion. At 39, she was still averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists with the Mercury.

Most importantly, Bonner still has fuel in her engine to go on.

DeWanna Bonner Wants to Keep Playing

The veteran forward has been around for 17 seasons, collected multiple accolades and watched Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement announcement come through a week ago. However, she has different plans than Ogwumike.

“I still feel like I'm playing great basketball,” she said, per a recent X clip posted by Mercury beat reporter Hayden Cilley. “I still got a couple more games left. I think afterwards I'll make my decision, but I'm gonna do things right now."

“My body feels that way. My mind is still in it. I'm still having fun,” she added to the same segment. “I still want to try to (defeat) everyone when I compete. I don't think you ever lose that."

Wanting to cap off a solid 17-season career with a ring is quite natural, and a roster move is the only way to do it for Bonner. Mick’s claim remains unproven for now, but if Bonner ends up in Vegas, the league will have one extra thing to worry about.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy