In a significant free agency move, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Dream, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Alexa Philippou on Tuesday night. While the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the agreement is set to be officially announced after Saturday, when league-wide contract signings become permissible.
This offseason marks Griner’s first foray into free agency after an illustrious 11-season tenure with the Phoenix Mercury. According to the New York Post, Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick out of Baylor in 2013, Griner quickly became a cornerstone of the Mercury franchise. She played a pivotal role in leading the team to a championship in her second season and was instrumental in their 2021 Finals appearance.
Griner’s career faced an unprecedented challenge in 2022 when she was wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly ten months while playing overseas. Her detention ended through a prisoner exchange, allowing her to return to the court in Phoenix for the subsequent season.
Last season, the 6-foot-9 center showcased her dominance on the court by averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Her stellar performance earned her a tenth All-Star nod. Despite her individual success, the Mercury finished the season with a 19-21 record and were ousted in the first round of the playoffs. Griner will depart Phoenix holding the team’s all-time records in rebounds and blocks, and ranking second in points scored.
Griner’s departure signals a new era for the Mercury, who may also face the potential exit of longtime star Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time scoring leader, has been contemplating retirement this offseason. Her departure would mark the end of an era, as she has been with the team since 2004 and has been a key figure in all three of the Mercury’s championships.
In related transactions, the Mercury have strengthened the Connecticut Sun by acquiring five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas in a recent deal. Additionally, Ty Harris will move to Phoenix, while Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the No. 12 draft pick are also heading to Connecticut.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream secures Griner as their most significant free-agent signing to date. Last season, the Dream posted a 15-25 record and made the playoffs for the second consecutive year but were eliminated in the first round. In response to the team’s performance, head coach Tanisha Wright was dismissed and replaced by Karl Smesko.
Griner’s addition to the Dream is expected to have a transformative impact. She will join forces with former No. 1 overall draft pick Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, creating a formidable trio aimed at propelling the Dream to their first championship title. The Atlanta Dream, eager to build on their recent playoff appearances, now have a renewed sense of hope and ambition with Griner’s leadership and unparalleled skill set.
As the WNBA landscape continues to evolve, Griner’s move to Atlanta marks a pivotal moment for both her career and the Dream franchise. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new partnership shapes the future of the team and the league.