Free agent centre Brittney Griner has signed a one year deal to rejoin the Phoenix Mercury ahead of the 2024 WNBA season the league announced Friday.
Griner, 33, famously returned to the Mercury in 2023 following a prolonged saga which saw her detained in a Russian prison for nearly 10 months. The 6’9″ Houston native averaged 17.5pts/1.6blk/6.3reb/2.2ast per game across 31 contests last season, en route to an All-Star selection.
Phoenix, who turned in a dismal 9-31 record in 2023, are hoping to keep their championship aspirations afloat by overhauling their roster and coaching staff this offseason. The club added a new GM in Nick U’Ren, hired Nate Tibbetts to take over coaching duties, and brought in Natasha Cloud during free agency.
Future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi will return for a 20th WNBA campaign, while the club made a big swing acquiring Kahleah Copper from the Chicago Sky in an offseason deal that included the team’s 3rd overall pick in the WNBA draft.
Originally selected 1st overall by Phoenix back in 2013, Griner has spent the entirety of her 10 season WNBA career in the desert. A two-time runner up for league MVP, the former Baylor standout currently sits 3rd all time in blocks in WNBA history. By insulating Griner and Taurasi with some additional veteran leadership and a new voice in the locker room, the Mercury are hoping for one final run at a WNBA title.
Last season, Griner signed a 1 year, $165K contract, however financial details surrounding her 2024 deal have yet to be made public. An official announcement regarding the signing is expected to be made by the club following the weekend.
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