Brittney Griner plans to sign with Atlanta’s dream, marking the end of his 11 -year career with the Phoenix Mercury.
Griner announced the move in a Video published on Instagram Tuesday evening, and his agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, confirmed to the Associated Press that the Star Center would sign a one -year agreement with Atlanta.
“The free agency was everything I wanted, honestly. I was able to find where I wanted to go, ”said Griner in the video. “Honestly, what led me to this decision was finally the team, the players. Also my family. I am delighted for this chapter.
WNBA free agents cannot sign contracts until February 1.
The 9 -inch 6 -inch griner had spent her entire career with Phoenix since his writing No. 1 in 2013. Now 34 years old, she decided this off -season to test the free agency for the first time. Griner does not point out for a year, because a new collective agreement with potentially massive salary increases should take effect in 2026.
Griner missed the 2022 season when she was detained for almost 10 months in Russia after the authorities said that an excavation of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis derived oil. She was released in an exchange of prisoners When the United States has released the notorious Russian dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner has an average of 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season with Phoenix. She is third on the WNBA career block list, 65 behind leader Margo Dydek.
Griner said that going through the free agency posed challenges.
“It was a difficult decision because you leave what you know. What I have known about my entire career, “she said. “There is an exciting factor like, ok, it’s a brand change now. I can show them something different.
Griner becomes the signature of the most eminent free agent in the history of Atlanta, and she joins a talented team led by Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The dream has made a change of coach this offseason, calling on Karl Pmesko from the Côte du Gulf de Florida. Griner, Howard and Gray play in the new League 3 against 3 unequaled this off -season.
The dream went 15-25 last season and made the playoffs for the second consecutive year. They were eliminated in the first round by the possible champion of the WNBA New York.
Griner, an All-Star 10 times, also had discussions with Dallas and Las Vegas.
It was an offseason of change for Phoenix. Earlier on Tuesday, the mercury finalized an agreement to Acquire Alyssa Thomas From Connecticut Sun, a person familiar with this job declared at the AP. It is not clear either if the veteran Diana Taurasi will play again or retire.
This article was initially published on Nbcnews.com
