Introduction

Brittney Griner is one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball history. Known for her elite shot-blocking, scoring ability, and towering 6-foot-9 presence, she has redefined the center position in the WNBA.

From winning championships with the Phoenix Mercury to her high-profile detention in Russia and recent blockbuster contract news, Griner’s journey has been both inspiring and dramatic.

This article covers everything—stats, contracts, trades, latest news, and her Russia ordeal.

Brittney Griner Stats

Career Overview

Brittney Griner entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant players.

Key Career Stats (Approx.)

• Points per game: 17+
• Rebounds per game: 7+
• Blocks per game: 2.5+
• Field goal percentage: ~55%

She has also led the league in blocks multiple times and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in WNBA history.

Recent Season Stats (2025)

• Points: 9.8 PPG
• Rebounds: 5.2 RPG
• Blocks: 1.2 BPG

Although these were career lows, they came during a transitional phase late in her career.

Achievements & Honors

Griner’s resume is filled with elite accomplishments:

• WNBA Champion (2014)
• 10× WNBA All-Star
• 2× Defensive Player of the Year
• 2× Scoring Champion
• 3× Olympic Gold Medalist

Her dominance on both ends of the floor makes her a future Hall of Famer.

Brittney Griner Contract Details

Latest 2026 Contract

In 2026, Brittney Griner made headlines with a massive new deal:

• Signed with Connecticut Sun
• Contract worth over $1 million
• Among the first WNBA players to reach seven-figure salary territory

This contract reflects the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, which has significantly increased player salaries.

Previous Contracts

• 2023: 1-year deal (~$165,000) with Phoenix Mercury
• Earlier seasons: Around $200K annually
• Overseas earnings (Russia/Europe): Often exceeded $1 million per season

Like many WNBA stars, Griner supplemented her income by playing overseas.

Brittney Griner Trade History

Move to Atlanta Dream (2025)

Griner left Phoenix after 11 seasons and signed with the Atlanta Dream in 2025.

This marked a major shift in her career as she sought a fresh start.

2026 Move to Connecticut Sun

Her latest move to the Connecticut Sun is not technically a trade but a free-agent signing, which is one of the biggest roster moves of the 2026 WNBA season.

The move is strategic:

• Sun rebuilding roster
• Franchise relocating to Houston in 2027
• Potential hometown return for Griner

Brittney Griner Latest News (2026)

Griner remains a major headline figure in 2026.

Key Updates:

• Signed seven-figure deal with Connecticut Sun
• Coming off a statistically down season
• Still viewed as a veteran leader and defensive anchor

Additionally, the Sun’s future relocation to Houston could align with Griner’s roots.

Brittney Griner Russia Incident

What Happened?

In February 2022, Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia after authorities found cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport.

She was:

• Detained for 293 days
• Sentenced to 9 years in prison
• Held in a penal colony

Release and Prisoner Swap

Griner was released in December 2022 through a high-profile prisoner exchange:

• Exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout
• Deal negotiated between the U.S. and Russia

This became one of the most widely covered sports-related geopolitical events in recent history.

Impact on Career

The incident had a major impact:

• Missed the entire 2022 WNBA season
• Returned in 2023 to a standing ovation
• Became an advocate for detained Americans abroad

Brittney Griner WNBA Career

Phoenix Mercury Era (2013–2024)

Griner spent over a decade with the Phoenix Mercury:

• Won 2014 WNBA Championship
• Became franchise legend
• Dominated defensively and offensively

Atlanta Dream Phase (2025)

Her stint with Atlanta was brief but notable:

• Helped team reach playoffs
• Played reduced minutes
• Transitioned into veteran leadership role

Connecticut Sun Era (2026–Present)

Her move to Connecticut signals:

• Final phase of her career
• Mentorship role
• Continued defensive presence

Playing Style & Strengths

Griner’s game is unique:

Strengths

• Elite rim protection
• Shot-blocking ability
• Interior scoring
• Physical dominance

Weaknesses (Late Career)

• Reduced mobility
• Lower scoring output
• Injury concerns

Despite these, her experience makes her invaluable.

Personal Life & Background

• Born: October 18, 1990
• Birthplace: Houston, Texas
• College: Baylor University
• NCAA Champion (2012)

At Baylor, she was one of the most dominant college players ever.

Legacy & Impact

Brittney Griner has left a lasting mark on basketball:

• Changed perception of women’s centers
• Elevated global visibility of WNBA
• Played key role in social justice conversations

She is widely expected to enter the Hall of Fame.

FAQs About Brittney Griner

1. What are Brittney Griner’s career stats?

She averages around 17+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 2.5+ blocks per game over her career.

2. What is Brittney Griner’s latest contract?

In 2026, she signed a deal worth over $1 million with the Connecticut Sun.

3. Was Brittney Griner traded?

No, her recent move was a free-agent signing, not a trade.

4. What happened to Brittney Griner in Russia?

She was detained in 2022 for carrying cannabis oil and spent nearly 10 months in prison before being released.

5. Which teams has Brittney Griner played for?

• Phoenix Mercury
• Atlanta Dream
• Connecticut Sun

6. How tall is Brittney Griner?

She is 6 feet 9 inches tall.

7. Is Brittney Griner still playing in the WNBA?

Yes, she is active and playing in the 2026 season.

Conclusion

Brittney Griner remains one of the most influential players in basketball history. From her dominant stats and championship success to her resilience after the Russia incident, her journey is remarkable.

With a new million-dollar contract and continued presence in the WNBA, Griner is not just a player—she is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and evolution in women’s sports.