Ten-time WNBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is exploring free agency for the first time in her 12-season career in the league, and there are plenty of teams who could benefit from the combination of defensive skill and veteran experience she brings to the table.
Many Mercury fans have taken Griner's decision to explore free agency as a major hint that teammate Diana Taurasi really did retire in 2024 — something Taurasi and the Mercury have yet to comment on or confirm/deny — but Griner has been vocal about her experience in Unrivaled so far and has indicated the newbie league has influenced her decision.
Griner, who has been a free agent in the past but has always re-signed with the Mercury up until now, told reporters of the 3x3 league, "I want to show off my skills for free agency." Coaches and representatives from WNBA teams have been frequently spotted during games and in the city, and there's no doubt recruitment is one of their top goals.
At 34, Griner is a leader who deserves a quality team and a quality experience. It's unclear why she's open to leaving the Mercury after over a decade with the same team (especially as she and her wife Cherelle just welcomed their first child together and purchased a home in the area), but their loss could be the Valkyries' gain.
It's understood that the Golden States Valkyries will likely change up their roster before the 2025 season begins in May. Some of the international players drafted in December will choose to stay overseas, either to continue to develop or to participate in Eurobasket events that conflict with the season. Maria Conde suffered a season-ending injury earlier this month. Iliana Rupert is having an outstanding season with Çukurova Basketbol, but it's not clear if the Valkyries believe she's a strong enough center to pair with Temi Fagbenle... which gives the 6'9" center an opportunity to shine.
The Golden State Valkyries and Brittney Griner make a lot of sense
From an aesthetic perspective, the Valkyries are a great match. Griner will likely want to go to a team that has excellent facilities and takes care of their players, and the Valkyries certainly can provide that. There's also something to be said for the glitz and glitter that surrounds all things shiny and new; Griner is still coming off a year spent in prison in Russia and nurturing her new family, and a new city could provide a way to truly leave what needs to be left in the past for good.
The Valkyries are also in a good position to take care of Griner financially. Her salary was only $150,000 last year — a deal she agreed to so the Mercury could re-sign Taurasi. Golden State has plenty of cap space and could offer Griner more than that while retaining the ability to give the supermax to another star, which is a frankly awesome position for a brand-new team to be in.
Griner's options are wide-open, and it will be interesting to see what moves she makes. If there's one thing we're all learning during free agency, it's that it's time for teams to be more and do more, especially for players who have given so much.