WNBA star Brittney Griner is stuck in Russia for over eight months since she was first detained at a Moscow Airport in February. Griner was charged with drug possession charges after vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil were found in her luggage. Moreover, a Russian court recently denied BG’s appeal against the initial nine-year sentence.

The State Department had initially offered a prisoner swap for the Phoenix Mercury center and US Marine Paul Whelan. However, the Kremlin has yet to respond to the swap offer publicly. However, Russian authorities have left the doors open for confidential negotiations. In this critical situation, it seems like only one person can bring Griner home soon and it’s not Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman.

A while ago, Dennis Rodman offered to fly to Russia with the intent to free Brittney Griner. However, the US authorities strongly advised against the idea. Hence, it looks like the key to Brittney Griner’s release relies on one expert individual who specializes in getting detained Americans free from foreign countries.

Who can bring Brittney Griner home?

Former US Ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson has been closely observing the Brittney Griner saga in Russian since the beginning. The popular politician and diplomat is known for striking deals with foreign officials to get American prisoners released.

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Back in April, Bill Richardson helped former US Marine Trevor Reed return home. Reed was imprisoned in Russian for over two years. The former New Mexico governor helped set up a prisoner exchange between the Kremlin and Washington.

Bill Richardson has kept a close eye on Griner’s situation. He is working behind the scenes to secure BG and Paul Whelan’s safe return to their families. Richardson recently made a positive prediction about Brittney Griner’s return.

Bill Richardson’s prediction on Griner’s return

Speaking from experience, the 74-year-old suggested that there would be a chance to make a deal once the legal process ended. Bill Richardson stated,?”I remain cautiously positive about my prediction that a deal can be reached before the end of the year to bring Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan home.”

Richardson reckoned that BG could return home before the end of the year. He claimed that the White House strategy was ‘sound and realistic’. Moreover, Richardson felt that the State Department might have to offer two Russian prisoners for Griner and Whelan.

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Thus, Richardon’s prediction comes as a rare ray of hope for Brittney Griner and her supporters. She has been quite brave during her troubles and hopefully, she will find her freedom soon.