Brittney Griner has massively impacted the world in several ways over the last year. With more than a decade of experience playing the sport, the legend revolutionized women’s basketball through her success with the WNBA and in the Olympics. Following her arrest last year, nobody expected her to return to the WNBA. But it turns out that on May 20, 2023, the legend will potentially make a return.
The former Olympic Gold Medalist was detained in Russia after being caught “smuggling” illegal substances through airport customs. She was immediately taken into custody and placed in a detention center for several days before being brought to trial. During this period, Brittney Griner had little to no contact with her family or representatives in the US.
In August 2022, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. Griner was transported to the Russian Penal Colonies which aren’t necessarily the best conditions to be in. In December, after multiple attempts to get herself out of the situation, the Russians and the Americans agreed to follow through with a prisoner swap involving convict Viktor Bout. BG was brought home safe and healthy.
Brittney Griner signed a 1-year contract worth $165,100 recently
Fans have all waited for this very moment to take place, Brittney Griner made her return official after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury. The contract is worth $165,100 and marks her tenth season with the Phoenix team. The baller entered free agency last year before getting involved in the massive scandal. Now that the contract has been signed, Griner will most likely return against the LA Sparks scheduled for May 20, the opening night for the WNBA’s new season.
BG was drafted by the Mercury back in 2013 as the first overall pick. Ever since she has been extremely loyal and liable to the team. She often traveled to Russia to play basketball for the UMMC Ekaterinburg team, as many other WNBA do as well. Unfortunately, Griner got held up in an unfortunate situation with the Russian Federation.
Great seeing @brittneygriner on the court after #Suns practice. Her first words seeing all the media there was “@PhoenixMercury is going to be just like this right?” BG was getting shots up, working out and saying hello to folks like @DeandreAyton. @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/SDwT7q18I2
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) February 23, 2023
She recently made her first appearance on a basketball court with the Phoenix Mercury. Brittney Griner looked extremely happy to be back with her team in practice. She also shared a warm embrace with Kevin Durant, who recently joined the Phoenix Mercury’s counterpart, the Phoenix Suns. Both players are very close to each other and share memories of playing for the Olympics as well.
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