10-time WNBA All-Star and 2014 WNBA champion Brittney Griner has discovered a brand new dwelling for the 2025 season.
In response to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Alexa Philippou on Tuesday, Griner has agreed to a one-year take care of the Atlanta Dream after spending her first 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury.
The transfer is not going to be official for the No. 1 general decide within the 2013 WNBA Draft till Saturday, which is when contracts are allowed to be signed.
Though the Las Vegas Aces made a push for Griner, they ended up buying and selling for Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm whereas placing extra of a deal with different submit gamers. That finally left the door open for Atlanta to make its transfer.
Based in 2008, that is clearly the most important free agent signing in Atlanta’s historical past. Regardless of making three WNBA Finals appearances in its first six seasons, the Dream have not had a winning record since 2018. With 2022 No. 1 general decide Rhyne Howard and two-time WNBA All-Star Allisha Grey already on the roster, Griner provides Atlanta a submit presence as somebody that has averaged 17.7 points, 56.2 % shooting and 7.4 rebounds all through her profession.
Following her wrongful detainment in Russia that lasted virtually 10 months and led to her lacking your complete 2022 season, Griner has performed at an elite degree since being freed in a prisoner trade.
With former Florida Gulf Coast head coach Karl Smesko taking on for former coach Tanisha Wright, the 2025 season presents a number of noteworthy adjustments for the franchise.
Griner’s choice might not be the one one to make headlines for the Mercury. With veteran Dianna Taurasi undecided about her future, this might be the beginning of a brand new period for a Mercury franchise that final gained the title in 2014.
That is shaping as much as be an thrilling season for the Dream after a monumental free agent signing. If Griner picks up the place she left off with the Mercury, count on the Dream to be severe contenders all through the season and put an finish to their latest struggles.
