Atlanta Dream announce signing of 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner

This marks the biggest signing in Dream history and one of the most seismic moves in league history. Griner, a 6-foot-9 center, is among the more accomplished and recognized names in the sport. After an illustrious collegiate career at Baylor, which included a championship in 2012, Griner became a first-round pick and spent the next 11 seasons with Phoenix, assembling a remarkable resume that features a title in 2014. She was Finals MVP.

Among her other numerous accomplishments: Griner has made six All-WNBA teams, twice led the league in scoring and has been the WNBA rebound leader eight times. She’s a two-time defensive player of the year and seven-time All-Defensive team member. Griner is among the most decorated individuals in league history, which also earned her a spot on the WNBA 25th anniversary team (2021).

“Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization and this city,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement. “She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise.”

In her Instagram video, Griner said it was a “hard decision” but she was “able to find where I wanted to go.” And that destination is an upstart Atlanta team led by 2022 first-overall pick Rhyne Howard, and new coach Karl Smesko.

Griner is in her career’s twilight, but she’s still produced, averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season. She missed the 2022 season due to being wrongfully detained in Russia for almost 10 months, yet she’s made consecutive All-Star appearances in the seasons since, a testament to her mental strength and ability.

The Dream also signed standout forward Brionna Jones, which further bolsters its talent and experience. Jones, who’s spent her career with the Sun, is a three-time All-Star. Padover said she’s “one of the most consistent and dominant players in the world.” The team also inked veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to upgrade its bench.

Smesko is another significant offseason addition after opting to end his successful 23-season career at Florida Gulf Coast to lead the Dream’s hopeful resurgence. He takes over a team that has a rising Howard, accomplished veterans like Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, and now further additions that could help the Dream surge into contention.

And that’s what all these moves are for: This busy offseason was conducted with the intention of achieving immediate relevance. The team has been eliminated in the first round in consecutive years and hasn’t had a winning season since 2018. The franchise is seeking its first title after falling short in three previous finals appearances (2010, 2011, 2013).