Brittney Griner after returning home last year in December will be back on the court. Griner was detained in a Russian cell for carrying marijuana at an airport. Nonetheless, the efforts from President Joe Biden and the government managed to bring back the WNBA star. They swapped Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner’s return. However, this sparked a debate as to why Paul Whelan an ex-UD marine was left behind.
However, Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner, who worked on her wife’s return spoke about bringing back Paul Whelan. Nonetheless, WNBA fans will be excited to know that Griner will be returning to the court with the Phoenix Mercury for the 23-24 season. Griner will be sporting a different look this season, unlike her dreads, which she kept her entire career. BG had to cut her dreads due to the freezing temperatures in Russia.
Breaking: Brittney Griner has signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury, sources confirmed to ESPN.
More: https://t.co/3gTiF8hYYu pic.twitter.com/3Orh4igTX8
— ESPN (@espn) February 18, 2023
The 8x WNBA All-Star made headlines, as she signs a 1-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury. BG signed a deal worth $165,000. It is lesser than what she usually earns. That number is bound to increase when she gets back to her best. The Phoenix Mercury will be bringing their No.1 Draft pick back into the fold. Griner helped deliver a WNBA title. For the last few months, Griner has been a free agent. Before she was detained, she was under contract with the Phoenix Mercury. In a deal worth $664,544, for a 3-year contract.
Brittney Griner gearing up for the 2023-24 WNBA this May
Since coming back, Griner has not made many public statements, however, she did come up with a message of gratitude. “It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” Said Griner on her Instagram post.
View this post on Instagram
BG also made it clear that she will be making her return to the WNBA, “I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season.” Said, Griner. The pre-season will commence on May 5, 2023, and as for the regular season, it will begin on May 19th. This gives Griner a 2-week buffer to get back to speed and get ready for the 23-24 WNBA season.