More Than a Move: Brittney Griner’s Bold Rebirth with the Atlanta Dream

In 2013, Brittney Yvette Griner was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury. Her rookie season was the first time she was named an All-Star. A title she would go on to receive eight other times while adding two-time defensive player of the year to her list of accolades.

The Mercury championed for her release while she was detained in Russia in 2022, and rolled out the red carpet to welcome her home upon her release.

It seemed as if Griner’s WNBA legacy would begin and end with the Mercury. But, in 2025, a new chapter began. 

In February 2025, after 11 remarkable seasons with the Mercury, the 6 ‘9″ center signed a one‑year deal with the Atlanta Dream. Perhaps the move was more than professional — but a needed step in her personal growth and healing. 

In her memoir Coming Home, Griner reveals that during her detention, she faced numerous challenges to her mental health, including isolation, uncertainty, and the constant fear of being forgotten.

Those challenges didn’t disappear when she returned stateside. “I’m not okay,” she recalls in her book. Returning home didn’t mean she returned to the life she once knew.

Griner battled PTSD, sleep issues, difficulty with her personal relationships, and she struggled to move forward.  

Forever the force on the court and for LGBTQ rights, Griner now had a new cause, “I will not rest until Paul Whelan and others are home,” she says in her book.

That determination has also led her to advocate for prison reform and the rights of detainees. It is obvious that Brittney Griner is different. Perhaps a different home wasn’t just a professional move, but a necessary one in her healing journey. 

Still, she is an undeniable asset to the Dream. Teammates and front office staff cite her infectious energy and mentorship, noting how her presence elevates both performance and culture. As the Dream blaze toward the playoffs, Griner’s experience and advocacy set the tone. She’s not just adding wins—she’s empowering a franchise and a city. 

Whether it’s speaking out about mental health struggles, fighting for marginalized communities, or inspiring young athletes with her story, her impact resonates far beyond WNBA arenas.

In a league often shaped by dynasties and dynastic dreams, Brittney Griner stays true to her core: using talent as a tool for transformation. A new jersey doesn’t change her mission—on and off the court, she’s still the same firebrand, ready to lead with purpose, passion, and boundless humanity.