Brittney Griner Extends Contract with Phoenix Mercury Prior to Team USA Training Camp

Brittney Griner has decided to stay with the Phoenix Mercury, her WNBA team for many years, just before the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris. In a statement released by the team, Griner expressed her love for Phoenix, calling it her home. She mentioned the incredible support she and her wife have received from the organization, community, and fans known as the X-Factor over the past 11 years. Griner is looking forward to continuing her basketball journey in a Mercury jersey and hopes to help bring another championship to the Valley.

Griner rejoined the Mercury for the last season after being released from Russia in December 2022 where she was wrongly held.

During the 2023 season, she had an average of 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Griner also ranked second in the league for field goal percentage at 56.0% and third in blocks with 1.6. She now stands at third place on the WNBA's all-time blocks list.

Griner, 33, who will enter her 11th season, is a nine-time WNBA All-Star, winning a WNBA title in 2014. Griner also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Team USA.

Griner representing the United States at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Griner representing the United States at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty Images/File

Phoenix recently signed Griner just as the USA Basketball Women’s National Team is set to have a training camp in Cleveland, Ohio. Griner, who had vowed not to play overseas again unless it was for the Olympics, will be joining the camp. The Paris Summer Olympics are scheduled to start on July 26.

Griner, the top pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, has played for the Phoenix Mercury throughout her career. The Mercury will kick off their season on May 14th against the Las Vegas Aces, who are the defending champions.

The USA Basketball Women's National Team revealed the roster for the April training camp, featuring 14 athletes. The camp is scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Friday.

Another player on the roster is Caitlin Clark. USA Basketball had initially mentioned that Clark would attend the training camp depending on Iowa's performance in the NCAA tournament. Now that Iowa has made it to the Final Four in Cleveland, Clark will be shifting her focus to winning a national championship in her last days as a college player.

Editor's P/S:

Brittney Griner's decision to remain with the Phoenix Mercury is a testament to her deep connection to the team and the city. Her love for the organization and the unwavering support she has received throughout her career have been instrumental in her choice. As she embarks on her 11th season, Griner's presence will undoubtedly bolster the Mercury's chances of another championship victory.

Furthermore, Griner's dedication to Team USA is evident in her participation in the upcoming training camp. Her commitment to the Olympics, despite her previous vow not to play overseas, highlights her unwavering patriotism and desire to represent her country at the highest level. Griner's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they prepare for the upcoming Summer Games in Paris.