Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury on one-year deal

Diana Taurasi, who is returning for a 19th season with the Mercury after signing a multi-year deal Saturday.

Griner was convicted in September on drug possession charges after Russian authorities said she was found with vape cartridges in her carry-on luggage at Sheremetyevo Airport outside of Moscow last Feb. 17.

released from a Russian penal colony Dec. 8 after a prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

As Griner returns to the basketball court, concerns about her safety while traveling have been raised. 

Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has said she intends to return to the Mercury for the 2023 season, but traveling to road games may be different.

The WNBA does not allow teams to charter flights. The league’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates teams fly commercially and players receive “premium economy” seating, if available. 

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