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WNBA All-Star center Brittney Griner has left the Phoenix Mercury after 11 seasons to sign with the Atlanta Dream. Griner entered the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) free agency market last week for the first time since being drafted by the Mercury in 2013.
On January 29, Griner agreed to a one-year contract with the Dream, according to ESPN.
BREAKING: Brittney Griner has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Dream, a league source confirms to @benpickman. pic.twitter.com/uPmafHkK5W
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 29, 2025
How will Brittney Griner Fit Into the Atlanta Dream’s Lineup?
Griner, now 34, remains a dominant force in the league. She is a WNBA champion, a two-time WNBA scoring title winner, and has consistently performed at an elite level. Last season with Phoenix, Griner averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. She now joins a Dream core led by two-time All-Star guard Rhyne Howard and veteran guard Allisha Gray.
BREAKING: Brittney Griner is signing with the Atlanta Dream after 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, per @ShamsCharania and @alexaphilippou pic.twitter.com/CmPHihzd75
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 29, 2025
Here’s a look at the Dreams projected starting lineup with Griner in the rotation.
Last season, the Dream finished with a 15-25 regular-season record and clinched a playoff spot as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were eliminated in two games by the New York Liberty. With Griner now in their lineup, the Dream will look to make a deeper playoff run this season.
How the Phoenix Mercury’s Roster Looks Now
The Mercury reshaped their roster after an eventful day that included trading guard Natasha Cloud, forward Rebeca Allen, and the number 12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft in exchange for five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas and Tyasha Harris from the Connecticut Sun.
Last season, the Mercury finished 19-21, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference, but were eliminated in two games by the Minnesota Lynx.
While their projected starting lineup has yet to be officially announced, fans can expect to see a high-level roster featuring:
With Griner joining the Dream and the Mercury undergoing a significant roster shakeup, fans can look forward to an exciting season of WNBA basketball. Be sure to tune in for opening night on May 16.
