Brittney Griner reaches deal to return to Mercury

Eight-time All-Star center Brittney Griner has re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury.

The WNBA did not disclose terms of the contract late Friday night. However, multiple media outlets reported the free agent was given a one-year deal that the Mercury officially will announce next week.

Griner, 33, returned last season after missing the 2022 campaign while being detained in a Russian jail on a drug-related charge. She averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 blocks in 31 games (all starts) in 2023.

Griner has contributed 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.9 assists in 285 career games (all starts) since being selected by Phoenix with the top overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.