The Phoenix Mercury’s 2023 season has been a rollercoaster, but not in the way they had anticipated. The group had an unimpressive 9-31 record at the end, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Despite the disappointment, there have been worthwhile records being rewritten in the league by the team.
However, with Brittney Griner being a free agent in the upcoming season, will she re-sign with the Phoenix? What lies in the cards for the 32-year-old and her teammate, Diana Taurasi?
Will Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury?
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Brittney Griner had a trying season this year. From dealing with her wrongful detention in Russia and dodging worrying injuries, she’s been through it all. Consequently, she wasn’t satisfied with her performance this season, as she told the media after their playoff exit last week. She revealed, “Not happy with my performance overall this season, no matter what happened or whatever I went through. Not happy with it. You know next year.. I would definitely say would be different. Unique situation now that I no longer go overseas now. So I actually get to take a chance to actually work on my game.?
However, Brittney has made it clear she intends to remain with the Phoenix Mercury for the upcoming season. Griner, who turns 33 in October, reaffirmed her commitment to the Mercury as she enters free agency this summer by emphasizing her strong ties to Phoenix. ?Phoenix is home. It?s where I?ve been,? Griner told CNN. ?Me and my wife literally just got a place (here). This is it.? The Phoenix Mercury have one WNBA icon locked down to their team. But what about Diana Taurasi, whose contract ends the upcoming season?
Diana Taurasi remains committed to the Mercury, assuring fans that she’s not done just yet. She spoke to CNN stating, “I?ve got another year on my contract and I?m definitely going to fulfill that.? However, in addition to their impressive careers in the WNBA, the teammates also have their sights set on the international scene.
Taurasi and Griner reveal their desire to play in the Olympics
Despite the Phoenix Mercury having a disappointing season, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner have expressed their desire to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Diana Taurasi, who turns 41 in June of next year, is committed to helping Team USA at the 2024 Olympics. She told CNN that she?d ?be doing my best to hopefully be on that team.? ?If I?m lucky enough to be on that team, I?ll be ready to represent my country?. Despite Taurasi getting older, her commitment to the sport remains unshakeable.
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Brittney Griner is similarly excited to join the national team after enduring a 10-month detention in Russia in 2022. The 2x gold champion Griner also voiced her intention to compete for the USA at the Olympics in Paris, should she be invited. ?If I get the invite, I?m going to show up, of course. There?s no greater honor than playing for the USA, playing for your country. I?ve got some really good memories with Team USA, so I would love the chance to continue that,” she underlined.
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With Griner and Taurasi back on the roster, the Phoenix Mercury have an exciting upcoming season ahead. Hopefully, the team remains safe from injuries.
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WATCH THIS STORY:??When They Play the National Anthem??: WNBA Star Brittney Griner?s Homecoming Receives Another Cheeky Jibe From UFC Star
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