History of DeWanna Bonner in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

DeWanna Bonner is a highly decorated American professional basketball player in the WNBA, currently playing for the Connecticut Sun. Drafted fifth overall in 2009 by the Phoenix Mercury, she quickly established herself as a versatile forward and a consistent offensive threat. Over her illustrious career, Bonner has earned multiple WNBA All-Star selections and secured two WNBA championships with the Mercury. Known for her longevity and exceptional scoring ability, she ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in points scored. Beyond the WNBA, Bonner has maintained a successful international career, playing for prominent clubs in Europe during the off-season. Her contributions to the sport are defined by her athleticism, perimeter shooting, and leadership on the court, solidifying her status as one of the most impactful players in the history of women's basketball.

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Full Timeline

1980: Historical Comparison to 1980-81 Season

During the 1980-81 season, a freshman last led the Auburn Tigers in scoring prior to DeWanna Bonner's achievement in 2005.

August 21, 1987: Birth of DeWanna Bonner

On August 21, 1987, DeWanna Bonner, an American-Macedonian professional basketball player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Freshman Scoring Achievement at Auburn University

During the 2005–06 season, DeWanna Bonner achieved a significant milestone as a freshman at Auburn University by leading the Tigers with an average of 13.5 points per game and scoring in double figures across 22 individual games.

2005: USA Today Top 25 Recruit Recognition

In 2005, DeWanna Bonner gained national recognition when she was featured in USA Today as one of the Top 25 high school basketball recruits in the country.

2006: US Women's Youth Team Success

In 2006, DeWanna Bonner joined the US women's youth team and achieved a significant victory by winning the FIBA Americas Under-20 Championship for Women.

2009: Record-Breaking Season and SEC Player of the Year

In 2009, DeWanna Bonner achieved significant milestones by being named the SEC Player of the Year and becoming a finalist for the National Player of the Year. During the 2009 SEC Tournament game against Ole Miss, she broke the Auburn University career scoring record, ultimately finishing her collegiate career with 2,162 points. Additionally, in 2009, she became the first Auburn player to lead the SEC in scoring for a season and established a new Auburn single-season scoring record with 716 total points.

2009: All-America Honors and Athlete of the Year Recognition

In 2009, DeWanna Bonner received significant recognition for her collegiate performance, earning All-America honors from the WBCA/State Farm, USBWA, AP, and ESPN.com, while also being named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Amateur Athlete of the Year.

2009: WNBA Draft Selection

In 2009, DeWanna Bonner was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the fifth overall pick in the WNBA draft following her collegiate career at Auburn University.

2009: WNBA Draft Selection and Rookie Championship

In 2009, DeWanna Bonner was selected fifth overall in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury. During her 2009 rookie season, she made a strong debut by scoring 16 points in 26 minutes during her first regular-season game and ultimately secured a WNBA championship title with the team.

September 12, 2014: Second WNBA Championship Win

On September 12, 2014, DeWanna Bonner secured her second WNBA Championship title as a member of the Phoenix Mercury, contributing a solid performance of 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in the series-clinching game.

November 2014: Marriage to Candice Dupree

In November 2014, DeWanna Bonner entered into marriage with her fellow WNBA player and former Phoenix Mercury teammate, Candice Dupree.

April 2017: Pregnancy Announcement

In April 2017, DeWanna Bonner publicly announced her pregnancy, which necessitated that she sit out the entire 2017 WNBA season.

July 2017: Birth of Twin Daughters

In July 2017, DeWanna Bonner celebrated the birth of her twin daughters.

2017: Pregnancy and WNBA Absence

In 2017, DeWanna Bonner did not participate in the WNBA season as she took time away from the court due to her pregnancy.

March 2018: Acquisition of Macedonian Citizenship

In March 2018, DeWanna Bonner officially received a Macedonian passport, which granted her the eligibility to represent the North Macedonia national basketball team in international competition.

2018: WNBA Return and All-Star Selection

DeWanna Bonner returned to play for the Phoenix Mercury in 2018, where her performance earned her a selection to the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game and a playoff appearance that ended in the semi-finals against the Seattle Storm.

February 11, 2020: Trade to the Connecticut Sun

On February 11, 2020, DeWanna Bonner was officially traded to the Connecticut Sun professional basketball team in a transaction involving three first-round draft picks.

2020: Separation from Candice Dupree

In 2020, DeWanna Bonner and her partner Candice Dupree ended their relationship.

2020: Trade to the Connecticut Sun

In 2020, DeWanna Bonner was officially traded to the Connecticut Sun after playing for the Phoenix Mercury.

2021: International Debut for North Macedonia

During the 2021 EuroBasket Women 2023 qualification campaign, Bonner played her first game for the North Macedonia national team, contributing 11 points and 9 rebounds to a victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2023: Engagement to Alyssa Thomas

During the 2023 WNBA All-Star weekend, DeWanna Bonner became engaged to her teammate Alyssa Thomas after Thomas proposed to her.

2023: EuroBasket Women 2023

In 2023, the EuroBasket Women tournament concluded, serving as the competition that Bonner had been participating in the qualification rounds for since 2021.

February 2, 2025: Signing with the Indiana Fever

On February 2, 2025, DeWanna Bonner officially signed a one-year contract to play for the Indiana Fever.

July 8, 2025: Return to the Phoenix Mercury

On July 8, 2025, DeWanna Bonner officially returned to the Phoenix Mercury. Her presence was recognized by the Associated Press as a critical factor in the team's successful qualification for the 2025 WNBA Finals.

2025: Completion of the 2025 WNBA Season

By the conclusion of the 2025 season, DeWanna Bonner's career statistics and performance records were fully updated and finalized to reflect her output throughout that year.