Atlanta Dream introduces Brittney Griner, Brionna Jones & Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
ATLANTA - WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner, has officially signed a deal with the Atlanta Dream, according to a new report from the WNBA.
The 6-feet-9-inch tall center is coming to the A.
What we know:
Griner recently became a free agent. But, it wasn't the first time in her career.
She has always re-signed with the team who drafted her, spending 11 straight seasons with the Phoenix Mercury as their star center. She's also a 10-time WNBA All-Star.
Although the announcement was only made on Feb. 1, it's clear Griner has known for some time now that Atlanta would become her new home. On Jan. 28, she posted an Instagram reel featuring Atlanta's Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.
"I actually messed up on my intro. I need to introduce my new teammates, because I will be joining the Atlanta Dream, yo!" she said in the video.
Griner had meetings that same day with multiple teams, according to the Associated Press. However, WNBA free agents were not allowed to sign contracts until Feb. 1.
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PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 19: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury arrives to the arena before the game on September 19, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and o
What we don't know:
The details of the deal have not been made public. It's not clear what Griner's new salary will be or how long her contract will last.
What they're saying:
"Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization and this city," said General Manager Dan Padover in a report published by the Dream. "She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise."
"Her leadership and selflessness will not only elevate our team but also enhance the chemistry and culture that we are cultivating," said Head Coach Karl Smesko.
"Atlanta felt like home the moment I started thinking about this next chapter," said Griner. "What led me here was the team, the players, and most importantly, my family. I’m excited to be part of this city, to connect with the community, and help elevate this team into championship contention."
Brittney Griner career stats (as of 2024)
By the numbers:
Age: 34
Height: 6-feet-9-inches
WNBA Draft: 2013 first round, first pick
Position: Center
Total points: 5572
Rebounds: 2322
Assists: 600
Steals: 161
Blocks: 812
Turnovers: 673
Olympic Gold Medals: 3 (Paris 2024, Toyko 2020, Rio de Janeiro 2016)
WNBA Championships: 1 (Phoenix Mercury 2014)
FIBA Women's World Cup Gold Medals: 2 (2014, 2018)
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PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 11: Gold medalist Brittney Griner of Team United States bites her medal during the Women's basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by G
Brittney Griner freed from Russia
The backstory:
Those who don't know Brittney Griner as an absolute force on the basketball court, probably recognize her name as she spent nearly 10 months in a Russian prison in 2022 for drug smuggling.
Griner was detained and punished for packing vape cartridges of cannabis oil during a February trip to play for Ekaterinburg. The drug is illegal in Russia.
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US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner sits inside a defendants' cage during a hearing at the Khimki Court in the town of Khimki outside Moscow on July 15, 2022. - Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Mos
She was eventually freed during a prisoner exchange orchestrated by former President Joe Biden for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
RELATED: Who is Viktor Bout, Russia's 'Merchant of Death' freed in prisoner swap for Brittney Griner?
Other New Team Members
Griner isn't the only new team Atlanta Dream team member.
Brionna Jones
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Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun reacts in the first quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during Game Three of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 15, 2022 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges
The Atlanta Dream has also signed three-time WNBA All-Star Brionna Jones.
What we know:
Jones brings a wealth of experience, versatility and defensive prowess to Atlanta.
Selected eighth overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, she has steadily developed into one of the league’s premier frontcourt players.
A three-time All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024), Jones has earned multiple league honors, including WNBA Most Improved Player (2021) and WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2022), as well as placement on the 2021 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Across her WNBA career, Jones has averaged 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shot an efficient 56 percent from the field.
Before turning pro, Jones had a standout collegiate career at the University of Maryland, where she became one of the most dominant post players in program history.
A two-time AP and WBCA All-American, she was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection (2015–2017) and helped lead the Terrapins to three Big Ten championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2015 Final Four. Jones still holds Maryland’s all-time records for most points in a season (697) and most points in a single game (41).
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Additionally, the team has signed veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
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Shatori Walker-Kimbrough #32 of the Washington Mystics reacts during the game against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 10, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
What we know:
Walker-Kimbrough is coming off the most productive season of her career, where she emerged as one of the league’s top contributors off the bench.
She averaged a career-high 7.5 points per game, along with 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds, while providing relentless defensive pressure. Her ability to spark her team in key moments helped her finish third in Sixth Player of the Year voting. She also led all WNBA reserves in total points scored (284) and finished first in steals among bench players with 40 takeaways.
Drafted sixth overall in 2017 by the Washington Mystics, Walker-Kimbrough made an immediate impact as an All-Rookie Team selection and later played a key role in the Mystics’ 2019 championship run.
Before turning pro, Walker-Kimbrough built an impressive career at the University of Maryland, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors three times.
She ranks third in school history for single-season scoring (681 points) and fourth all-time in career points (2,156), all while setting Maryland and Big Ten career records for three-point shooting percentage.
The Source: The WNBA, Atlanta Dream, ESPN, the Associated Press and FOX 10 Phoenix contributed to the information in this article.