Mercury make intriguing roster move immediately after DeWanna Bonner exit

Mercury make intriguing roster move immediately after DeWanna Bonner exit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Phoenix Mercury did not wait long to use the roster opening created by DeWanna Bonner’s departure.

Phoenix announced Tuesday that it signed rookie guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract. The move came one day after Bonner reached a buyout agreement with the team. Bonner and the Mercury parted ways after Phoenix was eliminated from playoff contention. The agreement gives the 38-year-old veteran an opportunity to join a contender before the end of her 17th WNBA season.

The move also gives Phoenix a chance to evaluate a young player during its remaining games.

Poffenbarger went undrafted in 2026 but later signed with the Chicago Sky.

The Phoenix Mercury have signed guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract, the team announced today. pic.twitter.com/LRYTUNPSnu

She appeared in five games for Chicago, averaging 5.2 minutes, 1.2 rebounds and 0.4 steals. Her seven-day deal with Phoenix could provide a larger opportunity, particularly with the Mercury no longer playing for a postseason position. The 23-year-old guard spent her final college season at Maryland, where she started all 31 games. Poffenbarger averaged 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals, leading the Terrapins in rebounding while ranking second in both assists and steals.

Her rebounding production stands out for a guard and could help her earn minutes in Phoenix’s rotation. Bonner leaves behind a significant role. She appeared in 38 games this season and averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals. She ranked fourth on the Mercury in scoring and third in rebounding and steals.

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Replacing that production will not fall entirely on Poffenbarger, especially while she plays on a short-term contract. The signing is better viewed as a low-risk opportunity for Phoenix to study a rookie who previously received only limited WNBA minutes.

For Poffenbarger, the final portion of the season could serve as an audition for a longer stay in Phoenix or another opportunity elsewhere in the league.

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