When Brittney Griner and Kevin Durant met in 2023, it was a memorable encounter. Before Durant’s first game in Phoenix, the former Phoenix Mercury center and current Phoenix Suns forward discussed their connection. After four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, he was traded to the Suns, where he still continued his strong play. Meanwhile, Griner pin point to the fans why she is still ranked one of the top players in the WNBA.
Griner put up a great showing after returning for the 2023 season. Despite having missed nearly a year of basketball, she averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. She took a wage cut to stay with the Mercury prior to the 2024 season, but after their playoff run ended, she pursued free agency for the first time ever. Griner’s signing with the Atlanta Dream surprised many fans, including Durant.
Durant also expressed his thoughts on Griner’s choice following Wednesday’s game.
“Yeah, I was definitely shocked to see that,” Durant said. “That’s just part of professional athletics, but BG has been a fixture in the city for a long period. It’s strange to watch her with a new squad, but change is necessary for everyone. Everybody wants to travel throughout the country, live in different places, and play basketball in new situations.
“Atlanta has a wonderful vibe, a fantastic location, and a great basketball community. She will have an equal impact on that city with her presence. I enjoyed playing in the same city as her during the last few years. She has been a good friend of mine for a time.”
Kevin Durant understands why Brittney Griner left the Mercury.
Durant understands the struggles of departing a franchise. When he left the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2015-16 season to join the Golden State Warriors, fans were startled and had mixed feelings. However, as Durant has stated, he wanted a change of environment, which Griner most certainly felt as well.
Griner developed a Hall of Fame career throughout her 11 seasons with the Mercury. She is the team’s all-time leader in blocks and rebounds and second in points. She also led the Mercury to a then-record 29-5 regular season and was instrumental in the team’s 2014 WNBA title.
Nevertheless, there was conjecture about her future as the 2024 season drew to a close. Would she remain in Phoenix? Griner ultimately made the greatest choice for her professional future. Despite the fact that player turnover is frequent, her departure was surprising considering how long she had been with the Mercury.
Although the Dream have a great squad, it is unclear if Griner’s style of play will mesh well with them. Griner excels in the low post, dominating inside with her size, speed, and ball fakes under new Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko, who places an emphasis on pace and space. But Atlanta’s future is made more intriguing by partnering with guards like Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard.
Griner made the decision she thought was right, whether it was for personal reasons or to try to win another title. Her presence will surely have a long-lasting effect on Atlanta, both on and off the court, as Durant pointed out.