'We Traded An Arms Dealer To Get This One Out': Brittney Griner Faces Ben Shapiro’s Savage Dig Over Controversial Trade For Infamous Arms Dealer

The context: in December 2022, the U.S. swapped Bout—convicted of conspiracy to kill Americans—for Griner, who was serving a nine-year sentence for cannabis possession in Russia. It was a high-stakes move that drew both support and criticism. Many applauded the rescue; others slammed it as capitulating to foreign pressure.

Griner has since reignited her career with the Atlanta Dream. In her first 2025 preseason game, she hit a three-pointer in her first possession and has moved back into the WNBA’s postseason mix. But Shapiro’s comments show that her case still carries political baggage. Her return to form is now shadowed by talk of diplomacy, media narratives, and justice.

For now, Brittney Griner remains focused on basketball. Coach Karl Smesko called her defensive presence “excellent” during her first game back, praising how she “controlled the paint.” Off-court critics can argue—but Griner is back on the court, doing what she said she came to do.

Atlanta Dream Coach Karl Smesko Praises Brittney Griner’s Return

Brittney Griner didn’t only grab headlines for a controversial trade—she grabbed a coach’s praise, too. Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko was full of compliments after Griner’s first preseason appearance. “I thought BG was great. She was moving great. She looked really good out there. Defensively, she was excellent. She was controlling the paint,” Smesko said, calling it a “really good first game back for her.”

This praise didn’t come lightly. Brittney Griner has endured a tumultuous few seasons—including a nine-month detention in Russia and a resurgent 2025 campaign under coach Smesko. She hit a three-pointer in her first preseason outing, showcasing her new shooting confidence—a key nod to the Dream’s updated offense.

Smesko’s comments highlight the Dream’s faith in Brittney Griner as both a leader and a defensive anchor. Despite her rough stretch, she’s quickly become the cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation. And fans hoping to see her in playoff form will get that wish soon. With Smesko’s boost, the message is clear: Griner is back—and Dream fans have every reason to believe in her again.