Top 3 landing spots for Brittney Griner after veteran center’s major move

WNBA star Brittney Griner is testing the free agency waters for the first time in her 11-year career. According to the Associated Press’ Doug Feinberg, Griner’s agent said that the 10-time All-Star will enter the free-agent market and will start meeting with several teams on Tuesday in Miami.

Griner is in Miami playing for Phantom BC in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league. Players can begin signing WNBA contracts on Feb. 1.

“I want to show off my skills for free agency,” Feinberg quoted Griner as saying.

Unrivaled seems to be a perfect avenue for WNBA free agents to talk with executives about their potential destinations and build rapport with potential teammates. The 3-on-3 league is composed of 36 players, including seven first-overall picks, one WNBA MVP and 17 former Olympians.

Griner, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has been with the Phoenix Mercury since being selected No. 1 in the 2013 WNBA draft. Griner and Phoenix won a championship in 2014. In the 2024 season, she signed a one-year, $150,000 deal, according to Spotrac.

In 30 games in 2024, Griner finished with averages of 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks on 57.9% shooting. She helped the Mercury to a 19-21 record but was swept by the Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs.

Here are three possible landing spots for the WNBA veteran.

Top 3 landing spots for Brittney Griner

#1. Golden State Valkyries

One of the teams with the most cap space this offseason is the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. While the Valkyries are linked with several free agents, adding a veteran like Brittney Griner would make sense for the Valkyries’ inaugural season. The 34-year-old Griner can impact the team with her presence and play.

Golden State is also an attractive location for Griner, with its new practice facility in Oakland and a state-of-the-art locker room at the Chase Center set to open before the 2025 season.

#2. Atlanta Deam

The Atlanta Dream could use Brittney Griner’s services if 36-year-old center Tina Charles does not return.

Griner’s size and strength at 6-foot-9 could also help address the Dream’s struggles in the paint last season. Griner slots right into the lineup, which includes Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada and Naz Hamilton, who finished 15-25 last season.

#3. Phoenix Mercury

Returning to the Phoenix Mercury remains a viable option for Brittney Griner.

“Phoenix is home,” she said as she re-signed with the team in 2024. “The love and support my wife and I have received from the organization, community and X-Factor over the last 11 years has meant everything to us.”

Another free agent with the Mercury is Diana Taurasi, who turns 43 in June. The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer is still mulling her plans for next season. Griner’s decision could be impacted if her longtime teammate, Taurasi, decides to forego retirement and play her 21st season with Phoenix.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro