WNBA Free Agency: Grading Brittney Griner to Connecticut

Apr 11, 2026 - 18:30

COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Brittney Griner #42 of the Atlanta Dream defends against Brianna Turner #11 of the Indiana Fever during the game three of the first round of WNBA Playoffs between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 18, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

After the Atlanta Dream made the move to bring Angel Reese in from Chicago, many people wondered what Brittney Griner’s future would look like. The All-Star center moved from Phoenix to Atlanta in 2025 for a new opportunity, and was a big a part of the overhauled team that ended the regular season as the three-seed. Yet, with Brionna Jones and now Reese leading their frontcourt, Griner’s role was about to be significantly reduced.

She’ll now make the move to the Connecticut Sun, joining the franchise for their last season in New England before they make the move to Houston.

Confirming @SheKnowsSports: 10x All-Star Brittney Griner is signing a seven-figure deal to join the Connecticut Sun, sources confirmed to ESPN.

A massive get for the Sun in their final year in CT. BG is also from Houston as the Sun franchise preps to relocate to the city in 2027 pic.twitter.com/pl1pSsj08V— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 11, 2026

Grading Brittney Griner to the Sun: B-

Griner transitioned from a starting role to a reserve for the Dream in 2025, a process that saw her production drop from her usual standard. Still, at 6-foot-9, she will be a commanding presence in the paint no matter where she goes. Presumably, she will resume her place as a starter role on a very young Connecticut team, taking on a veteran leadership position.

There is no indication of the length of Griner’s deal with the Sun franchise, but this seems to be a bigger move to ultimately get her on the team when they move to Houston. Griner is from Houston, and once the Sun make the move in 2027, Griner could play the final years of her career in her hometown.

So, is this a win-now move? Not really, as Connecticut isn’t in a win-now position — they are tied with the Chicago Sky for the worst title odds in the WNBA at +50,000, per our friends at FanDuel — and Griner alone won’t change that. Yet, she will have a big impact on the younger players, be a good vet for them, and set herself up for a homecoming.