Brittney Griner has officially joined the Atlanta Dream on a one-year deal, marking a significant transition after spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury. Griner expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play for her new team, emphasizing her desire to make the most of this new chapter in her career.
Griner’s signing comes as the Dream aim to revitalize their roster and improve upon last season’s performance, where they finished with a 15-25 record. Her addition is expected to bring immediate impact, as she is a ten-time All-Star and one of the most recognized players in the WNBA.
‘Happy for You’: Natasha Cloud Reveals What She Feels About Brittney Grinery’s Free Agency Move 1 Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; United States centre Brittney Griner (15) in action against Australia forward Cayla George (15) in a women’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Phipps-USA TODAY Sports
Her decision to join Atlanta is influenced by more than just financial considerations; she is looking to make the most of this opportunity while also positioning herself for potential future contracts under the new collective bargaining agreement expected next year. The team’s management is aware of the challenge ahead, as they must not only integrate Griner into their system but also convince her to stay beyond this one-year commitment.
The Dream have also made other key signings, including three-time All-Star Brionna Jones, which signals a monumental moment for the franchise as they seek to build a competitive roster. With Griner and Jones in the frontcourt, Atlanta is raising their championship expectations for the upcoming season.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Talks About 1-Year Deal With Atlanta Dream
Brittney Griner Chooses New WNBA Team in Free Agency 1 Sep 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots the ball against the LA Sparks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Just recently, Griner spoke about her current deal with Atlanta. This can be seen in an article done by the Associated Press and posted by ESPN.
“I’ll just say this with the CBA, you know, a lot of people signed one-year deals,” Griner said Tuesday at her introduction with the Dream. “It’s more than just money. I don’t want people to think that everybody signed a one-year deal just because they’re money crazy. There’s a lot of other important things that are going to be in our CBA in that, you know, people are going to want to be eligible for.
“I’ll just say this, my track record is when I make a decision I stick with it. I’ll just leave it at that right there.”
Griner’s experience and leadership will be crucial for Atlanta, especially as they aim to return to playoff contention after several years of struggle. The franchise has not won a playoff game since 2018, and the pressure is on to capitalize on this new talent.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Makes Passionate Post About Being a Parent 3 Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The WNBA star’s signing with Atlanta represents a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Griner’s presence is expected to generate excitement and elevate the Dream’s aspirations in the WNBA.
Brittney Griner Chooses New WNBA Team in Free Agency 3 Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) rushes up the court Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86.
