Brittney Griner Signs Seven-Figure Deal with Connecticut Sun After 11 Seasons with Mercury

Brittney Griner is set to join the Connecticut Sun on a seven-figure contract after spending her entire 11-year WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, sources told Alexa Philippou of ESPN.

The 35-year-old center is a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. She averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Atlanta Dream last season before being traded to Phoenix in the off-season. Her move to Connecticut marks a significant shift for both Griner and the Sun, who are preparing to relocate to Houston for the 2027 season.

Griner's decision to sign with the Sun brings a major talent boost to a team that has struggled in recent years. Connecticut has not made the playoffs since 2019 and finished with a 12–22 record in 2024. Griner’s presence is expected to elevate the Sun’s defense and interior scoring, both of which ranked near the bottom of the league last season.

The Sun’s move to Houston in 2027 is a key factor in Griner’s decision. The team has already begun transitioning its operations and branding to the Texas market. Griner, who grew up in Houston and played college basketball at Baylor, has deep ties to the city. She is expected to play a major role in building the franchise’s identity in its new home.

Phoenix received a first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and a trade exception in exchange for Griner. The Mercury, who won the 2024 WNBA championship, are rebuilding their roster around a younger core. Griner’s departure opens up playing time for younger bigs like DiDi Richards and Destiny Slocum.

Griner’s contract with the Sun is reportedly for two years, with the second year being a team option. The deal will not exceed the WNBA’s salary cap, which is set at $2.1 million per team in 2025. The Sun currently have more than $1.5 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to add another veteran or a high draft pick.

The Sun’s front office has not commented publicly on the deal, but the move signals a bold step in the franchise’s rebuild. Griner’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Connecticut looks to return to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

The Sun begin training camp on May 5. Griner is expected to be fully involved in all team activities.