For the first time in her career, WNBA star Brittney Griner will solicit herself as a free agent as she searches for a potential new team for the upcoming 2025 season. Griner was initially drafted to play with the Phoenix Mercury in 2013 as the number one pick and has remained with the squad for the last decade. If picked up by another team, this will mark Griner’s first team switch since going pro.
As a free agent, the 34-year-old center is being considered by several teams, including the Seattle Storm, Golden State Valkyries, and Atlanta Dream. The Storm has been on the search for a new star player ever since point guard Sue Bird retired in 2022.
There is still a chance Griner could return to play with the Mercury for another season, though as a free agent, her existing team will have to compete with others showing interest in her and would likely have to issue a much higher contract to retain her. Griner has built up a strong fan base in Phoenix, with many upset at the prospect of her leaving.
“Her stamp in Phoenix is monstrous. In addition to her on-court success, she’s leaving a crucial impact on the youth and underserved community,” fan and writer for AZ Central Hayden Cilley wrote. “There’s plenty of opportunity for her to become the legitimate face of the franchise.”
Phoenix is potentially facing an on-court shakeup with Griner’s departure and the rumored retirement of 20-year veteran Diana Taurasi. The team honored Taurasi with a closing curtain call at the end of the 2024 season, anticipating that she may take a quiet farewell after two decades with the team. Though she has not confirmed whether she’ll return, Taurasi told the Associated Press the decision weighs on her.
“I have not taken it lightly. I think about it every day,” she said. “I’m still deeply thinking about it. I want to make the right decision, and I’m just taking my time a little bit.”
Griner recently showed off her multifaceted talents by participating in the off-season 3v3 league Unrivaled. Despite new faces taking center stage in the WNBA, she continues to be one of the most talked-about players in the league. Whichever team she signs with for 2025 will have an amazing advantage going into the new season.
