Griner Takes Her Talents to Atlanta in 2025
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is switching teams for the 2025 WNBA season, signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, she announced Tuesday on Instagram. Griner spent her entire nine-year career with the phoenix Mercury,making this her first foray into free agency.
The 34-year-old center brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to a young, talented Dream squad, which includes two-time All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray on the wings and two-time All-Defense point guard Jordin Canada. Atlanta is hoping to build upon recent playoff appearances and advance further in the postseason after being swept in the first round the past two years.
The Dream made a meaningful move in the offseason by hiring FGCU head coach Karl Smesko, known for his offensive innovations. smesko is tasked with elevating atlanta’s offense,which ranked last in the league in 2024.Adding Griner,a two-time scoring champion,will undoubtedly bolster their offensive firepower.
Griner’s departure from phoenix seemed increasingly likely after she publicly stated her intention to explore other opportunities in free agency for the first time in her career. The Mercury’s trade for alyssa Thomas further solidified this impression, as the duo’s frontcourt pairing presented spacing challenges.
Smesko’s success at the NCAA level relied heavily on prioritizing layups and 3-pointers, an offensive style that Griner has moved away from in recent years. In 2024, she attempted 62.1% of her shots from mid-range, a percentage that will likely need to adjust to fit atlanta’s offensive scheme.
Griner’s move to Atlanta marks a new chapter in her illustrious career and promises to shake up the WNBA landscape.
Brittney Griner Signs with Atlanta Dream, Leaving Phoenix Mercury
in a surprising move, WNBA star Brittney Griner has signed with the Atlanta Dream, leaving the Phoenix Mercury, the team she has called home for her entire career. The deal marks a significant shift for Griner, who will be joining a team with a less-established practice facility and a smaller arena than what she was accustomed to in Phoenix.
Griner Prioritizes Roster Over Amenities
Griner, the league’s top center when healthy, is entering her 12th season. The expectation was that prioritize amenities like practice facilities and arena size when making their free agency decisions. Though, Griner’s move suggests that team chemistry and roster composition played a key role in her decision.
Dream Look to Build Contender
The Atlanta Dream still have fourth-year power forward Naz Hillmon under contract. Veteran centers Tina Charles and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are free agents and could possibly rejoin Griner in Atlanta.The Dream could also use their available salary cap space to pursue another top-tier free agent or make a trade to further upgrade their roster. WNBA star Satou Sabally could be a potential target.
Miami Becomes WNBA Free Agency Hub
Griner’s proclamation was noteworthy because she filmed it surrounded by Atlanta Dream teammates Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. All four players are currently participating in the Unrivaled league, a new offseason basketball league. This highlights Miami’s emerging role as a central hub for WNBA free agency activity and player movement.
Griner expressed her excitement for this new chapter, stating her desire for a “rebrand” and to showcase “something different” in her 12th season. Her departure from Phoenix leaves the future of veteran Diana Taurasi, the longest-tenured player on the mercury, in question as rumors swirl about her potential retirement.
What factors influenced Brittney Griner’s decision to join the Atlanta Dream?
Q&A: Griner’s Move to Atlanta
Q: Why did brittney griner leave the Phoenix Mercury after nine seasons?
A: While Griner previously stated her intention to explore free agency, the Mercury’s trade for Alyssa Thomas signaled a potential shift in the team’s direction. Griner’s desire to prioritize team chemistry and roster fit may have also played a role.
Q: how will Griner fit into the Atlanta Dream’s offense?
A: Griner’s mid-range game may need some adjustment to align with new coach Karl Smesko’s offensive system,which emphasizes layups and 3-pointers. Her experience and scoring prowess will undoubtedly add firepower, but integrating her style will be key.
Q: What are the Dream’s aspirations for the 2025 season?
A: With Griner joining a talented young core, the Dream aim to build upon their recent playoff appearances and make a deeper postseason run. Adding another top-tier free agent or making a strategic trade could further bolster their championship aspirations.
Q: What does Griner’s move mean for the future of the Phoenix Mercury?
A: Griner’s departure raises questions about the future of veteran Diana Taurasi,who is the longest-tenured player on the Mercury. Her potential retirement could usher in a new era for the franchise.
The WNBA landscape is constantly evolving. Stay tuned to see how Griner’s move to Atlanta shakes things up in the 2025 season!
