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Brittney Griner will return to the WNBA this season, once again playing with the Phoenix Mercury.
Griner, who is a free agent, re-signed with the team Tuesday.
Griner, 32, said he would return to Phoenix in a social media post in December, after he returned from a 10-month detention in Russia. Griner had been arrested at an airport outside Moscow on drug possession charges a year ago and brought home in a dramatic high-profile prisoner exchange in December.
“We miss BG every day that he’s gone and, when basketball isn’t our main focus, his presence on the floor, in the locker room, around the organization, and in our community is missed,” said Mercury GM Jim Pitman. “We will continue to use the resources of our organization to support him, on and off the floor, and we are excited for him that he will return to basketball, which he loves so much. This is a special moment and today is a special day for all of us.”
The 6-foot-9 center last played for the Mercury in 2021 and helped the team reach the WNBA Finals. He averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds that season.
Griner, who was drafted No. 1 in 2013 by the Mercury, was listed on the Phoenix roster on the WNBA website.
Since returning home from Russia, Griner has been out of the public spotlight, except for appearances at the Super Bowl, the Phoenix Open and an MLK Day event in Phoenix, where he lives.
“I don’t think anyone will ever forget where we were on December 8th when we heard BG was coming home or on December 15th when he announced that he would not only be playing basketball in 2023, but also for Mercury,” said Vince Kozar, Mercury’s president of business operations. . “And I know that no one will ever forget what it will feel like to welcome them back home on May 21st.
“To know BG is to love and respect BG, and we can’t wait for him to show that in person with thousands and thousands of his biggest supporters exactly three months from today at the Welcome Home Opener.”
He skipped USA Basketball’s training camp earlier this month, but the organization made it clear that he could take all the time he needs to decide if he wants to play again in the US.
The WNBA said it will finalize Griner’s special travel accommodations, such as charter flights, after she signs.
“We are very aware of BG’s unique situation,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told the AP earlier this month. “We have planned and we have thought with security experts, the BG side, our side. We will find the right time to comment when he enters with the team.”
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