Brittney Griner’s Shocking Retirement Hint: What’s Next for the Mercury?

By Jocelyn Alano June 19, 2025 09:39

The Phoenix Mercury find themselves at a crossroads as one of their franchise pillars, Brittney Griner, drops subtle hints about her future that have sent ripples through the WNBA community. After an 11-year tenure with the Mercury, Griner’s recent actions and comments have sparked speculation about a possible retirement or a major career shift, raising questions about what lies ahead for both the superstar and the Mercury organization.

Griner, a three-time WNBA champion and dominant center, made headlines earlier this year by signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, marking a surprising departure from Phoenix after more than a decade. This move stunned many, considering her deep ties to the Mercury and the city of Phoenix. Sources reveal that Griner’s decision was influenced by the Mercury’s evolving playing style under head coach Nate Tibbetts, who favors a “five-out” system emphasizing floor spacing and perimeter shooting a style that doesn’t naturally complement Griner’s traditional low-post dominance.

Despite the move to Atlanta, Griner has been unequivocal about her mindset regarding retirement. After the Mercury’s first-round playoff exit in 2024, she firmly denied any plans to retire, stating, “I’m nowhere near retiring, so let’s not even start that talk or try to get that going out there… Y’all are gonna see me again”. Her teammate Natasha Cloud echoed this sentiment with a lighthearted jab, noting, “She’s stuck… She’s got a son to provide for,” referencing Griner’s first child born in July 2024. These remarks underscore Griner’s commitment to continuing her career, at least for the near future.

However, the timing of Griner’s free agency exploration and her openness to meetings with multiple teams earlier in the year suggests she is actively weighing her options. This unprecedented free agency period marks a significant shift for Griner, who had spent her entire professional career with Phoenix until recently. Her agent confirmed she was “showing off her skills” in hopes of finding the best fit, signaling a willingness to embrace change.

The Mercury, meanwhile, face the challenge of navigating a potential new era. With Diana Taurasi, another franchise legend, inching toward retirement after a storied 20-year career, the team’s veteran core is undergoing transformation. The Mercury’s 2024 season showed signs of promise, improving to a 19-21 record under Tibbetts after a disastrous 9-31 campaign in 2023, but questions remain about their long-term competitiveness without their iconic stars fully committed.

Phoenix’s rebuilding efforts have included strategic acquisitions like Kahleah Copper, who earned AP All-WNBA Second Team honors and ranked third in league scoring, and the addition of key veterans such as Rebecca Allen, aiming to blend experience with youth. Cloud described the team’s two-year plan as a work in progress, emphasizing chemistry and defensive identity as critical components moving forward.

In summary, Brittney Griner’s subtle retirement hints and free agency maneuvers have cast uncertainty over her future and the Mercury’s trajectory. While Griner publicly denies retirement, her openness to exploring new opportunities and the franchise’s evolving philosophy suggest that significant changes are imminent. As the Mercury prepare for the 2025 season, the basketball world watches closely to see how this legendary player’s next chapter unfolds—and what it means for a franchise at a pivotal juncture.