The offseason had never been more entertaining. With the arrival of the Unrivaled League, the focus seemed to have shifted to the new 3×3 league rather than the WNBA. But not anymore, as two of the biggest stars of the WNBA have managed to bring the spotlight back to the league’s court. It’s Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, two teammates from the Phoenix Mercury. But the latter’s announcement only seems to have drawn speculations surrounding the team’s veteran.

Ever since Taurasi hit the Olympic court, rumors about her retirement have been swirling. “I don’t take retirement lightly. I know the minute I say it or announce it, whether it’s, you know, in a month or two months, I’m going to mean it,” she expressed in an interview with the Associated Press. Retirement—why not? At 42, she has nothing left to prove.

She holds the title of the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and is a three-time champion. Even her historic performance made her the oldest player in basketball history to score over 20 points in a playoff game. Yet, she hinted at a future beyond playing: “I definitely love the idea of being able to have a position where, obviously, you influence a team.”

Her words weren’t the only hint. Her final home game this past season also reflected that she might retire soon. Fans donned shirts celebrating her 20-year career, while Taurasi delivered an emotional speech. Although she didn’t make an official announcement, her words—“I think about it every day”—suggested a nearing end.

In the days since then, she’s not the only one considering a farewell. For the first time since being drafted by the Mercury in 2013, Brittney Griner is testing free agency. Speaking about the opportunity, she admitted, “I want to show off my skills for free agency,” hinting that she might be open to leaving Phoenix for the 2025 season.

With Griner’s announcement coming just in time around Taurasi’s retirement rumors, fans are left to assume a disheartening departure.

Griner and Taurasi’s possible split leaves fans buzzing

Within minutes of the news breaking, it sparked a few quick speculations on Griner’s departure hinting at Taurasi’s retirement. “WAIT DT IS OFFICIALLY DONE PLAYING?!?” one expressed.

DT and Griner have played together for 10 seasons since the latter was drafted by the franchise in 2013. Given the Centre hasn’t considered a change in the scenario for so long, the decision has only left fans looking for reasons, Taurasi’s retirement seeming the likely possibility.

“DT must be retiring i fear,” wrote another. “That’s what I thought too,” came a reply.

Griner has long admired the Mercury legend, calling her a mentor and a sister. “I look up to her. How could you not when you have the GOAT right next to you? So I’m really thankful to have her another year here in Phoenix,” she had said after Taurasi signed with the franchise amid retirement speculations in 2023. This only adds on to the assumptions now.

“If BG is exploring free agency… I think it’s a wrap for DT,” one user wrote. The two won their only championship together in 2014 and led the Phoenix to playoffs consecutively. It is a duo the are certainly going to miss. Even one’s departure has fans convinced is an impact of the other. “Facts,” one asserted as an user claimed DT was retiring.

The meetings in the free agency period are already in place with the gates opening on Tuesday. But the contracts will only be signed come Feb 1st.