In a significant WNBA transaction, Brittney Griner, a renowned ten-time All-Star, has inked a lucrative multi-year deal with the Connecticut Sun. This strategic move, valued in the seven figures, is particularly notable as it sets the stage for Griner to eventually compete in her hometown of Houston. The Connecticut Sun are slated to transition their base of operations to Houston after the conclusion of the upcoming season, following their acquisition by the Fertitta family. Griner's addition is expected to bolster the team's performance, providing a veteran presence and an undeniable talent.
Griner, at 35 years old, joins the Sun after a season with the Atlanta Dream, where she consistently delivered strong performances. During her tenure with the Dream, she maintained averages of 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, boasting an impressive 51.8% shooting accuracy from the field. Her career is decorated with achievements, including an 11-season stint with the Phoenix Mercury, where she secured a championship title in 2014 alongside Diana Taurasi. Furthermore, Griner has earned six All-WNBA selections, seven All-Defense selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Her impact on the court is undeniable, having twice led the WNBA in scoring and eight times in blocked shots. Griner is on the cusp of setting a new league record, needing just 18 more blocks to surpass Margo Dydek as the all-time leader. Her career shooting percentage of 55.8% ranks her third in WNBA history, trailing only Sylvia Fowles and Crystal Langhorne, a testament to her efficiency and dominance in the paint.
Griner's career faced an unexpected interruption in 2022 when she was unjustly detained in a Russian prison for nearly ten months. Prior to this challenging period, she was a strong contender for the MVP award, finishing second to Jonquel Jones. Beyond her WNBA accomplishments, Griner's collegiate career at Baylor was equally illustrious, where she won a national championship in 2013 and was twice named National Player of the Year under coach Kim Mulkey. She also proudly holds three Olympic gold medals as a member of Team USA.
In Connecticut, Griner will integrate into a promising roster that includes emerging talents such as Saniyah Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, Aaliyah Edwards, Leïla Lacan, and Diamond Miller, the latter acquired through a recent trade. This blend of experienced leadership and youthful vigor aims to create a formidable team, capable of challenging for future WNBA titles. Griner's arrival marks a new chapter for both her and the Sun, with significant implications for the league's competitive landscape.
This signing is poised to be a pivotal moment for the Connecticut Sun, infusing their team with a top-tier player whose presence alone commands respect and attention. The forthcoming relocation to Houston adds another layer of excitement, promising Griner a return to her roots and the opportunity to play in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in the near future. Her journey, marked by both athletic excellence and personal adversity, continues to inspire, and her move to the Sun represents a fresh start with high expectations for success.