The encounter between Brittney Griner and Kevin Durant in 2023 created a moment of significance. The former center of the Phoenix Mercury and current forward for the Phoenix Suns experienced this moment just before Durant’s debut game in Phoenix, following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets after four seasons.
Since this transition, Durant has maintained an impressive performance streak, much like Griner has since her return in the 2023 WNBA season. In her first season back, Griner made it evident to fans just how dominant she could be, finishing with averages of 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Given that she hadn’t played in nearly a year, her performance was nothing short of remarkable. Ahead of the 2024 season, she chose to take a pay cut to remain with the Mercury. However, after their playoff run concluded, Griner tested free agency for the first time, leading to her departure from the Mercury and signing with the Atlanta Dream, which surprised many, including Durant.
In his remarks after Wednesday’s game, he discussed his initial response to Griner’s move to a different team.
“Yeah, I was definitely shocked to see that,” Durant shared. “That’s just part of professional sports, but BG has just been a staple here in the city for so long. It’s kind of weird seeing her with a new team, but everybody needs to change. Everybody wants to explore different parts of the country and live in different parts and play basketball in different parts of the country.
“Atlanta is an incredible vibe, an incredible place, and a great basketball town. She’s gonna impact that city just as much as just her presence. I loved getting to play in the same city as her for the last couple of years. She’s been a good friend of mine for a while.”
Kevin Durant empathizes with Brittney Griner’s departure from the Mercury
If anyone can relate to the decision to leave one franchise for another, it’s Durant. After the 2015-16 season, he departed from the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors, a move that left many fans disheartened and resentful. Nonetheless, he has explained on several occasions that he needed a change in environment.
The same sentiment applies to Griner, who played 11 seasons with the Mercury, building a Hall-of-Fame legacy. She holds the franchise records for all-time blocks and rebounds and ranks second in total points. Additionally, she won a WNBA championship in 2014 with a Mercury team that finished the regular season with an impressive 29-5 record—the best in WNBA history at that time.
However, as the 2024 season came to a close, many questions arose. Would Griner return to Phoenix? Her decision to leave indicates that she chose what was best for her career. The same was true for Durant, yet the public’s reactions to their decisions differed.
Brittney Griner’s move to the Dream surprises many
While career moves are commonplace among players, the scale of Griner’s transition was unexpected. After all, she dedicated 11 seasons to the Mercury. Although the Dream boasts a talented roster, it may not align perfectly with her playing style. New head coach Karl Smesko in Atlanta emphasizes pace and space, whereas Griner excels in the paint and low block areas, utilizing her height, agility, and ball fakes as key offensive tools. Her physicality also allows her to compete effectively against numerous centers and forwards. Nevertheless, teaming up with guards such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray holds significant potential.
Regardless of whether her move was driven by personal reasons or the pursuit of a WNBA title, Griner ultimately made the choice that she felt was right for her. Ultimately, as Durant mentioned, she will undoubtedly leave a positive mark on Atlanta, both through her basketball talent and her influence off the court.
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