“I have nothing to prove, so I just go out there and do the things that kept me in there for 16 years. I’m just happy to be here.”

Bonner became accustomed to winning throughout her career, earning two championships with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014, and building an impressive run with the Connecticut Sun that included one Finals appearance and five semifinal appearances.

In Connecticut, she developed strong chemistry with Thomas, which later turned into an engagement. Current players such as Azzi Fudd have been questioned about their personal relationships affecting their on-court dynamics, but Bonner knows from experience that the two dynamics can be separate.

“I feel my personal relationship is my personal relationship. AT and I have been doing this for a long time,” Bonner said. “I feel like we know how to handle things. We handle business when it’s business, and we have our relationship. Obviously, it worked.

Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) and forward Alyssa Thomas talk during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. 

John Locher, Associated Press

“We’ve been playing together for eight or nine years now. I just feel like it’s personal preference and whatever that people feel like they need to do in their relationship to keep it going, that’s what they do. And we do what we do.”

Bonner’s presence and knowledge have inspired other players, especially younger players. Four-year guard Kiana Williams doesn’t tease Bonner about her age and instead respects what she’s done.

“She takes great care of her body,” Williams said. “It’s a blessing to be out here at that age. I’m out here watching what she’s doing because hopefully I can be playing that long one day. She’s in great shape, and she looks like it’s Year 2 out here.

“She’s fresh and she’s talking. It’s nice having that vet because she’s been here and she’s done that. If this is her last year, we want to make it a great one.”

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