Brittney Griner to reportedly re-sign with Phoenix Mercury

Brittney Griner to re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury

Griner, 32, played nine seasons with the Mercury after being drafted No. 1 by the team in 2013. After her return from imprisonment in December 22nd, Griner hinted at returning to playing U.S. basketball.

“I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you,’” the WNBA star wrote on  Instagram in December in her first social media post after a 10-month  imprisonment in Russia.

Russian imprisonment

2022 was a tough year for the WNBA All-Star. On Feb. 17, 2022, she was arrested by Russian authorities on drug charges after they claimed Griner had hashish oil in her bag at the airport.

After 10 months of imprisonment, she stepped foot on U.S. soil for the first time on Dec. 9, 2022. Griner was able to go home after a prisoner swap in Russia. U.S. authorities exchanged Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. He served 14 years of his 25-year prison sentence.

Since her return, Griner has been working out with sporadic public appearances. She and her wife Cherelle were in attendance at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.