The Brittney Griner era with the Phoenix Mercury is over after the WNBA star agreed to a 1-year deal with the Atlanta Dream in WNBA free agency on Tuesday, marking the end of the center’s 11-year career with the team that drafted her.
Griner’s time in Phoenix ends with her being the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, field-goal percentage and double-doubles, as well as the WNBA’s all-time dunks leader.
Take a look back at some key moments during Griner’s time with the Mercury, which included 10 WNBA All-Star selections, her detainment in Russia and subsequent release in a prisoner swap.
More: Brittney Griner exits Phoenix Mercury, agrees to join Atlanta Dream in WNBA free agency
Brittney Griner timeline: Key dates with Phoenix Mercury
April 15, 2013: Brittney Griner drafted No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
May 27, 2013: Brittney Griner makes WNBA debut against Chicago Sky, dunking twice in the game, making her the third WNBA player to dunk in a game and the first WNBA player to have two dunks in a game.
June 29, 2014: Brittney Griner records 11 blocks in a game against the Tulsa Shock, a WNBA record
Aug. 24, 2014: Brittney Griner dunks in Mercury’s 93-68 playoff win over Los Angeles Sparks, becoming first WNBA player to dunk in a playoff game.
Sept. 12, 2014: Brittney Griner helps Phoenix Mercury win third WNBA title with an 87-82 win over Chicago Sky, giving team a 3-0 series sweep.
May 15, 2015: Brittney Griner suspended seven games after domestic violence arrest involving then-wife Glory Johnson, who was also suspended seven games.
Sept. 18, 2015: Brittney Griner records a WNBA playoff record 11 blocks in a win over the Tulsa Shock.
July 3, 2016: Brittney Griner records the sixth regular-season triple double in WNBA history with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks in a win over the Atlanta Dream.
March 12, 2017: Brittney Griner re-signs with the Phoenix Mercury.
June 7, 2017: Brittney Griner scores a career-high 38 points in a 98-90 overtime victory against the Indiana Fever. She finishes season with career-high 21.9 points per game average.
Aug. 18, 2018: Brittney Griner scores 33 points, has 18 rebounds and blocks seven shots in 104-95 win over Atlanta Dream.
Aug. 25, 2019: Brittney Griner records 34 points in 94-86 loss to Chicago Sky.
More: Brittney Griner going back to year-round basketball in Unrivaled league
Aug. 22, 2020: Brittney Griner leaves WNBA bubble at IMG Academy in Florida for personal reasons after playing 12 games.
Oct. 17, 2021: Brittney Griner and Phoenix Mercury lose to Chicago Sky in four games in WNBA Finals as No. 5 seed in playoffs.
Feb. 17, 2022: Brittney Griner arrested for drug possession in Russia.
July 7, 2022: Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug possession in Russia.
Aug. 4, 2022: Brittney Griner sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for drug possession.
Dec. 8, 2022: Brittney Griner freed from Russia in prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout.
May 19, 2023: Brittney Griner returns to Phoenix Mercury for 2023 season after detainment in Russia, where she averages 17.5 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game and 1.6 blocks per game.
March 29, 2024: Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury on 1-year deal.
Jan. 28, 2025: Brittney Griner reportedly reaches deal with Atlanta Dream in WNBA free agency.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brittney Griner timeline: Key dates in star’s Phoenix Mercury career
