Brittney Griner’s 11-year stint with the Phoenix Mercury will come to an end when she signs with the Atlanta Dream.
Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, confirmed to The Associated Press that the star center would sign a one-year contract with Atlanta after Griner made the announcement in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday night.
To be honest, free agency has been all I hoped it would be. In the video, Griner stated, “I was able to find where I wanted to go.” To be honest, it was the players and the team that eventually influenced my choice. My family, too. I’m quite excited about this chapter.
WNBA free agents have until February 1st to sign contracts.
Since being selected first overall in the 2013 draft, the 6-foot-9 Griner had played her whole career with Phoenix. This offseason, at the age of 34, she made the decision to try free agency for the first time. Since a new collective bargaining agreement with possibly significant pay increases is anticipated to go into effect in 2026, Griner is only signing for a single year.
Griner was jailed for almost ten months in Russia during the 2022 season after police claimed that a search of her luggage had turned up vape cartridges carrying cannabis-derived oil.When the United States liberated infamous Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, she was released in a prisoner swap.
During the previous season, Griner averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while playing for Phoenix. On the WNBA’s career blocks chart, she is ranked third, 65 spots behind leader Margo Dydek.
According to Griner, there were several difficulties with free agency.
Making the decision to leave what you know was difficult. She added, “That’s what I’ve known my entire career.” The fact that this is a rebranding now adds an element of excitement. I get to present them with something new.
Griner joins a formidable team anchored by Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, becoming the most notable free-agent signing in Atlanta’s history. This offseason, the Dream hired Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast as their new coach. This offseason, Griner, Howard, and Gray are participating in the brand-new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled.
Last season, the Dream finished 15–25 and qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The eventual WNBA champion New York defeated them in the opening round.
Griner, a ten-time All-Star, also spoke with Las Vegas and Dallas.
For Phoenix, this offseason has been a time of transition. A person with knowledge of the move informed the AP that the Mercury were completing a deal to acquire Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun earlier Tuesday. Additionally, it’s unclear if veteran Diana Taurasi will retire or return to the field.