The Atlanta Dream made a major move heading into the post-season.
On Wednesday the team signed two-time WNBA Champion DeWanna Bonner to a rest-of-season contract. Bonner brings quite the haul of playoff experience and what it takes to win a championship. But the biggest question surrounding the signing is does it make Atlanta automatic championship contenders?
SIGNED 🚨
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 27, 2026
2x WNBA Champion, 6x WNBA All-Star, 3x WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, and 3rd All-Time Leading Scorer DeWanna Bonner has signed with the Atlanta Dream!#WNBASeason30 pic.twitter.com/KV6ehhjnkS
The Dream currently have a capable talented core with Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese. With serviceable role players in Jordin Canada and Naz Hillmon, there are questions on Bonner's fit. For now, the team is established as a top four team in terms of the standings. The Dream recently clinched their fourth consecutive playoff birth, with the remainder of the regular season vital for seeding.
Where Does Bonner Fit In?
Bonner is a player that brings experience to a young Atlanta bench. She was averaging 10.6 points (second career lowest), 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals for the Phoenix Mercury. For Friday's matchup against the Portland Fire, Bonner has been ruled out.
The tricky part about the acquisition is Smesko relies heavily on his starting five. In fairness, the Dream's starting five in arguably the best in the league with an offensive rating of 115.4. On the flip side, it leads the league significantly in terms of minutes played together, so head coach Karl Smesko must figure out where her minutes can be most beneficial.
Looking at efficiency, when Reese, Gray, and Howard are on the court they share an offensive rating of 109.8, and a defensive rating of 96.3. Bonner is currently averaging a 106.5 defensive rating. The role Bonner will play on this team will not be significant due to her shooting inconsistencies (39.4 percent 2-pt, 26.2 percent 3-pt), but her size and defensive skill will be beneficial.
The Dream already have a solid core; what they need is somebody off the bench to step up in a close knit playoff game. Could Bonner provide that? Definitely but the signing shouldn't draw overreactions that it makes Atlanta immediate title contenders.
There is still plenty of work to do.
Bonner Brings Much Needed Experience
Just last season Bonner was playing in the WNBA Finals; she knows what it takes to play in the biggest moments. When the clock is winding down and possessions increase in value, having a player who understands when to slow the pace or speed up becomes increasingly valuable on a youthful team.
Angel Reese is loving the Dream’s addition of DeWanna Bonner ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ptVNiRbVGc
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 27, 2026
While the Dream have players with experience (Canada has won two WNBA Championships) having another veteran on a bench full of youth can make a difference. Depth becomes one of the most important factors when the playoffs ramp up. Bonner has played in 98 playoff games, and reached the Finals four times. As a 6-foot-4 forward who can rebound and defend multiple positions, her scoring prowess (or lack of it) will ultimately determine how critical the addition becomes to the Dream's championship chances.
Championship Ceiling Does Not Change
.This signing feels more like insurance than a playoff shake up. Bonner is a key cog if Atlanta needs somebody to grab a rebound or provide stability on defense. However, when the Dream find themselves needing somebody to create consistent shots or make a key play against a top caliber defense, Bonner doesn't automatically solve that problem.
When the time comes, the responsibilities of making a key offensive play will still fall upon Reese, Gray, and Howard. It's a lot to ask for, especially because of their work load and since this is the trio's first season playing together.
There is a difference between being a "pretender" and being one of the teams people can expect to win a championship. The Dream lie right in the middle of being on the championship verge with moments where the doubt rightfully is high.
Bonner's signing gives Atlanta fans hope, but the Dream's championship reality ultimately depends on the production and clutch play of the starters.
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