Brittney Griner leaves Phoenix Mercury for Atlanta Dream in free agency

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) rushes up the court Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86.

After being swept by the Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, Griner was at a crossroad heading into free agency whether staying with the franchise that drafted her first overall back in the 2013 WNBA draft or moving on. As a member of the Mercury, Griner helped raised a championship banner into the rafters of the Footprint Center and has made Phoenix a premier franchise in the WNBA.

The two-time defensive player of the year finishes her career in Phoenix as the leader in franchise history in blocks and rebounds, while being third in games played and points with 17.7 points per game.

Griner posted this video on her Instagram confirming her signing with the Atlanta Dream.

With Griner gone and franchise cornerstone Diana Taurasi’s future up in the air, the Mercury face early turmoil heading into next season. The reliance on second-year Mercury guard Kahleah Copper is imperative to carry the offensive load with the departure of Griner. However, the Mercury did acquire Connecticut star point guard in Alyssa Thomas early today, which you can read more about below.