WNBA World Shocked by Longtime Mercury Star Brittney Griner Joining Atlanta Dream

Phoenix Mercury center Griner and mascot Scorch celebrate her score in the WNBA All-Star Game Skills Challenge at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Friday, July 19, 2024. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The WNBA landscape was shaken up Tuesday. First, the Phoenix Mercury traded for Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas. Then, longtime Mercury star center Brittney Griner decided to leave Phoenix after 11 seasons to join the Atlanta Dream.

Griner is set to join the Dream on a one-year deal, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania and Alexa Philippou. Griner decided to test the free agent market for the first time this offseason. With WNBA free agency kicking off in a matter of days, on Feb. 1, she has already made up her mind. The deal with Atlanta can become official once contracts are able to be signed Saturday.

The Mercury selected Griner with the No. 1 pick in 2013 and she went on to make 10 All-Star teams and win a WNBA title in 2014 over her 11 seasons with the franchise. After spending her entire career in the desert, Griner is off to Atlanta to team up with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.

After a seismic shift across the league, the WNBA world was shocked by Griner's decision:

#WNBA player movement is at a wow factor 👀

Alyssa Thomas leaving Sun for the Mercury. Now, Britney Griner leaving Phoenix after agreeing to a deal with the Atlanta Dream. @Dhoopster_ pic.twitter.com/x4CjZM2bFG
— Jonathan Cisowski (@cisow77) January 29, 2025

This offseason free agency 👀🔥
— Deja Kelly (@dejakelly25) January 29, 2025

Super excited to see BG as a passer to cutters and shooters within Smesko’s offense — this is really a fun fit.
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) January 29, 2025

Brittney Griner looking at Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada down at Unrivaled now: pic.twitter.com/1SIS9kT5C1
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) January 29, 2025

Brittney Griner - 10x #WNBA All-Star & multiple gold medals in the Olympics
Rhyne Howard- 2x WNBA All-Star & bronze medal in Olympics
Allisha Gray- 2x WNBA All-Star

The Dream made the playoffs last year, but they’re putting the talent in place for what could be a Championship… https://t.co/AxiEQP0ppF
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) January 29, 2025

I did not have Brittney Griner going to the Atlanta Dream on my bingo card. https://t.co/8YnKSAO024
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) January 29, 2025

Last 48 Hours:

Jewell Loyd ➡️ Las Vegas
Kelsey Plum ➡️ Los Angeles
2025 #2 pick ➡️ Seattle
Alyssa Thomas ➡️ Phoenix
Brittney Griner ➡️ Atlanta

We’re just getting started! 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/qvUDtU2ur7
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) January 29, 2025

Atlanta may finally get over the playoff hump. Potential starters:

Jordin Canada
Allisha Gray
Rhyne Howard
Tina Charles/Naz Hillmon
Brittney Griner

With a new coach that prioritizes outside shooting, drives to the bucket & easy inside layups…this roster is perfect for that. https://t.co/TUywMMqeqz
— Zena Keita (@itszenakeita) January 29, 2025

Howard and Gray chimed in, too: