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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Seasons change, teams evolve, and the WNBA landscape is shifting in unexpected ways. When the Phoenix Mercury acquired Alyssa Thomas earlier this Tuesday, many fans assumed that marked the end of Brittney Griner’s run with the franchise. Well, it turns out they were right. Just last week, Griner made the surprising announcement that she would be testing the market in free agency, leaving many to wonder what this would mean for her future in Phoenix.

Alexa Philippou highlighted the following in a post through Twitter: “ESPN story on Brittney Griner signing with the Atlanta Dream, the end of an era for the Phoenix Mercury and the biggest free agency signing in Dream history.”

 

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Brittney Griner’s road to this point has been far from normal. She spent the entire 2022 season in jail in Russia, having been detained there for almost 10 months after authorities claimed to have found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage. Her eventual release in a high-profile prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout marked a turning point, bringing her back to the court and the game she loves.

Since then, Griner has turned herself back into a top performer with the Mercury, averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season. Considered the force in the paint, Griner at one point claimed the third spot on the WNBA’s list of blocks, just 65 behind record-holder Margo Dydek. Now in this new phase with the Atlanta Dream, Griner’s impact into the game remains to evolve, proving that resilience and talent always find a way to shine through.

Griner’s move to Atlanta marks the end of an era

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Brittney Griner to Atlanta Dream—Is this the biggest WNBA move of the decade?

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Brittney Griner’s move from the Phoenix Mercury to the Atlanta Dream is big news. After 11 seasons in Phoenix, where she became one of the most unstoppable forces in the WNBA, Griner signed a one-year deal with the Dream. This feels like the end of an era for the Mercury, and it could also mean we’re witnessing the final years of Diana Taurasi’s career, which would be huge for Phoenix.

The end is a huge win for the Dream, who now pair Griner with players such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray to make Atlanta look ready next season. Meanwhile, for the Mercury it’s a rebirthattracting talent like Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris with the hope that they will have an idea about what’s on the horizon.

USA Today via Reuters

The Aces have shifted since signing Jewell Loyd. They are no longer looking to bring in Griner to pair with A’ja Wilson. Rather, they have concentrated on targets such as Cheyenne Parker-Tyus to improve the roster more holistically and have put a premium on their backcourt while holding onto veterans Tiffany Hayes and Alysha Clark.

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All about the WNBA 2025 draft

Brittney Griner is an easy addition to the Atlanta Dream. Of course, the 43-year old  Diana Taurasi’s future in Phoenix is not set. As for  whether or not Diana Taurasi will retire or return to play with the Mercury is yet unknown. That makes it very likely that it might change  the outlook for the remainder of the free agency for the rest of the league.

Along with Taurasi’s decision, there are huge names on the free agent list, like Nneka Ogwumike, Brionna Jones, DeWanna Bonner, and Natasha Howard. Players like Courtney Vandersloot, Chennedy Carter (a restricted free agent), Cheyenne Parker, Kia Nurse, and Aerial Powers are also worth keeping an eye on, with the potential to change the dynamic of their teams.

Regarding the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, the Dallas Wings have the first overall pick and all indications are that UConns Paige Bueckers will be their choice. She is expected to make an immediate impact and can be the one to help take things to a new level for the Wings.

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All this change has a promising outlook on the WNBA season 2025. The future is exciting for the WNBA, as huge moves are up and a whole lot of talent looking for new homes.

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Brittney Griner to Atlanta Dream—Is this the biggest WNBA move of the decade?

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