Breaking: 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, sources tell me and @ShamsCharania
Griner spent her entire career with Phoenix and now heads to Atlanta in one of the most stunning free agency moves in league history pic.twitter.com/bPpqIEx7bw
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 29, 2025
After 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner is reportedly taking her talents to Atlanta. The 6-foot-9 center has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, marking one of the most surprising free-agent moves in league history. Griner announced her decision in a video posted on Instagram, expressing excitement for her new journey while acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Phoenix, the only WNBA team she has ever played for. The signing won’t become official until February 1, when free-agent contracts can be finalized.
Griner’s departure signals the end of an era for the Mercury, who may also lose longtime legend Diana Taurasi, who is considering retirement. Meanwhile, Atlanta lands the biggest free-agent acquisition in franchise history. Griner joins a young core featuring former No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray as the Dream look to make a serious push for their first WNBA championship.
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A New Chapter for Griner
For the first time in her career, Griner tested the free-agent market this offseason. While she had spent more than a decade as the face of the Mercury, it became clear she was ready for a fresh start. In her Instagram video, she spoke about how the team culture, the players, and her family ultimately led her to choose Atlanta. “It was a hard decision. You’re leaving what you know, what I’ve known for my whole career. But there’s also the exciting factor of like, OK, this is a rebrand now, I get to show them something different,” Griner said.
One of the best players in WNBA history, Griner leaves behind a decorated career in Phoenix, where she was a key part of the team’s 2014 WNBA championship and helped the Mercury reach the 2021 WNBA Finals. She is the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks and ranks second in total points. Last season, she averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while earning her 10th All-Star selection. However, Phoenix struggled, finishing 19-21 and exiting in the first round of the playoffs.
Atlanta’s Blockbuster Signing
For the Dream, landing Griner is a franchise-altering move perhaps even title contention according to Online Casinos NZ. Atlanta has steadily improved over the last few seasons. The Dream finished 8th in the league last season and made the playoffs in back-to-back years but failing to advance beyond the first round. With Griner in the lineup, the Dream now have a dominant presence in the paint, addressing a major need following the departures of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Tina Charles in free agency. The Dream underwent major changes this offseason, hiring Karl Smesko as their new head coach. Pairing Griner with rising stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray gives Atlanta one of the most well-balanced rosters in the league. “This is a historic moment for the Dream,” a team executive said. “Adding a player of Griner’s caliber immediately elevates our expectations and sets us up to compete with the top teams in the league.”
The End of an Era in Phoenix
While Atlanta celebrates its major signing, Phoenix is left to regroup. Griner’s departure, coupled with Taurasi’s uncertain future, puts the Mercury in a transition phase. However, Phoenix has already started reshaping its roster, acquiring five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris in a trade with the Connecticut Sun. They are also expected to pursue additional free agents, including Satou Sabally and DeWanna Bonner.
The Mercury have been a perennial contender for much of the last two decades, but Griner’s exit signals a potential shift. The team will need to build around its new core while figuring out how to replace one of the most dominant centers in league history.
What’s Next for Griner?
Now with a new team, Griner faces the challenge of adapting to a different system and playing alongside new teammates. However, if her track record is any indication, she will remain one of the WNBA’s most impactful players. Her ability to anchor a defense, control the boards, and score efficiently makes her an instant game-changer for the Dream. For the league as a whole, Griner’s move adds excitement to an already compelling 2025 season. Atlanta will now be a team to watch as they aim to compete with the league’s elite. With one of the best players in WNBA history joining their ranks, the Dream’s championship aspirations have never been stronger.