DeWanna Bonner has finally shared her thoughts following the Atlanta Dream’s heartbreaking loss in the 2026 WNBA Finals, but the veteran forward has left fans wondering whether she will return for another season.
The 39-year-old forward took to Instagram days after Atlanta lost 68-63 to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. Her emotional message reflected the importance of her experience in Atlanta, while also leaving her basketball future uncertain.
Bonner’s message quickly attracted attention from teammates and fellow WNBA players, including Angel Reese, who expressed how much she valued playing alongside the veteran.
DeWanna Bonner Shares Emotional Reaction After WNBA Finals Loss
After spending 17 seasons in the WNBA, Bonner described her move to Atlanta as a life-changing experience.
Despite falling short of another championship, the veteran made it clear that her time with the Dream meant much more than the final result.
In her Instagram statement, Bonner wrote:
“17 years in this league, and to still experience this kind of love, energy, and excitement is something I’ll never take for granted. This move to Atlanta was life changing, far beyond winning or losing a championship! The happiness and joy that came with this city/team was unmatched!”
She also thanked the Dream organization, her teammates and Atlanta fans for making her transition special.
Bonner said she was welcomed with open arms and could not have asked for a better group of teammates. She also emphasized that the relationships she built during her time in Atlanta would last a lifetime.
Her message showed that although the WNBA Finals ended in disappointment, she had no regrets about joining the Dream.
Angel Reese and WNBA Players React to DeWanna Bonner’s Message
Bonner’s emotional statement received plenty of attention from players across the league.
Angel Reese, who shared the Atlanta locker room with Bonner during the team’s postseason run, was among the first to respond.
Reese wrote:
“A honor to play with you no matter what next year looks like.”
Her message was particularly meaningful because Bonner’s future in professional basketball remains uncertain.
Other players also shared their appreciation for the veteran.
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Te-Hina Paopao: Expressed her love for Bonner with a heartfelt message.
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Saniya Rivers: Sent a message of support, writing, “Love you DB.”
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Isobel Borlase: Thanked the veteran for her contribution to the team.
The reactions highlighted the respect Bonner commands among her teammates and other WNBA players.
What Did DeWanna Bonner Say About Her Future?
While Bonner openly discussed her experience in Atlanta, she did not confirm whether she plans to retire or continue playing.
The most interesting part of her statement came when she addressed the question everyone has been asking.
“And as for what’s next? Just remember, if you didn’t hear it from me, you haven’t heard it yet.”
That comment suggests Bonner is not ready to make an official announcement about her future.
At 39, retirement is certainly a possibility. However, she remains one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history and could still consider another opportunity to compete for a championship.
Bonner’s contract with Atlanta ended after the WNBA Finals, making her an unrestricted free agent.
For now, neither retirement nor a return for another season has been confirmed.
How DeWanna Bonner Helped the Atlanta Dream Reach the WNBA Finals
Bonner’s journey to Atlanta began in August 2026, when the Phoenix Mercury agreed to a buyout that allowed her to pursue another championship opportunity.
After clearing waivers on August 26, she joined the Dream the following day.
The move proved important for Atlanta, which benefited from her experience during a challenging postseason.
Bonner appeared in five regular-season games for the Dream, averaging 8.6 points per contest.
Her contribution became particularly valuable during the playoff series against the New York Liberty.
When Allisha Gray suffered a hand injury in Game 1 of the semifinals, Bonner stepped up with a 23-point, nine-rebound performance to help Atlanta secure a crucial victory.
She followed that performance with 13 points and 13 rebounds in the series-clinching game in New York.
Her leadership and postseason experience helped Atlanta reach its first WNBA Finals since 2013.
During the playoffs, Bonner averaged 7.7 points per game while playing approximately 20.1 minutes per contest.
Although her scoring numbers declined during the Finals, her experience remained valuable to a Dream team attempting to capture its first championship.
DeWanna Bonner’s Performance in the 2026 WNBA Finals
The championship series against the Golden State Valkyries was more difficult for Bonner offensively.
She averaged 3.7 points per game in the Finals and finished the seven-game series with 26 total points.
One of her notable performances came in Game 2, when she scored nine points and recorded four steals as Atlanta secured the first WNBA Finals victory in franchise history.
However, she managed just four points in 14 minutes during the deciding Game 7.
The Dream ultimately lost 68-63, allowing the Valkyries to complete their championship-winning campaign.
Despite the disappointing ending, Bonner achieved significant milestones during the postseason.
She became the first player in WNBA history to record 600 defensive rebounds in the playoffs. She also extended her record for the most playoff games played, reaching 110 appearances.
DeWanna Bonner’s WNBA Career and Achievements
Regardless of what happens next, Bonner has already established herself as one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball.
Across her 17-year WNBA career, she has collected numerous individual and team honors.
Her achievements include:
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Six-time WNBA All-Star.
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Three-time WNBA Sixth Player of the Year.
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Two-time All-WNBA selection.
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Two-time WNBA champion.
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Third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with 8,243 career points.
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WNBA postseason record holder with 110 playoff appearances.
She trails only Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles on the league’s all-time scoring list.
Bonner’s combination of scoring ability, versatility and postseason experience has made her an important figure throughout her career.
Will DeWanna Bonner Return to the WNBA in 2027?
The biggest question following the Atlanta Dream’s WNBA Finals loss is whether Bonner will continue playing.
The veteran has not announced her retirement, and her Instagram message suggests she wants to control when and how she reveals her next move.
Atlanta also has reasons to consider bringing back its core group.
Angel Reese, Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray have indicated their desire to continue building with the Dream after the Finals disappointment.
However, Bonner’s situation remains separate because she is now an unrestricted free agent.
If she returns, she will have another opportunity to chase a third WNBA championship and add to her impressive career numbers.
If she decides to retire, she will leave the league with an outstanding legacy built over 17 seasons.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement directly from Bonner.
Her emotional reaction has made one thing clear: the Atlanta experience meant a great deal to her, regardless of the championship result.
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