Brittney Griner is getting closer to home after signing with the Connecticut Sun, a move that made her reflect on her journey from a dreamer in Texas to her life as a parent.
The veteran center left the Atlanta Dream and signed a one-year contract with the Sun, which, by 2027, is expected to lead to a transfer to her hometown team, the Houston Comets.
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Griner is feeling emotional in this new chapter of her career. She said signing with the Sun was an easy decision because of the sentimental value.
“Actually, there’s a young girl who used to be a ball kid out here, and I’ve watched her kind of grow up throughout my career,” Griner said via IX Sports.
“It’s just moments like that that are sweet. You remember them, and when you’re making a decision about where to go, where to be, the community to be in — all those things go into it, and it just made it easier for me.”
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Brittney Griner kisses wife Cherelle Griner after game in 2024 as part of Phoenix MercuryRob Schumacher / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
The ten-time All-Star will be playing with extra sentiment for the Sun, partly because of her own family. Griner took to Instagram to share her mindset heading into the new season and training camp. She revisited the beginning of her WNBA career, watching her draft night together with her son, Bash.
Griner’s seven-minute video takes viewers on a trip down memory lane, starting from her time at Baylor to when she was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013.
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She shared how excited she was to play in Phoenix despite having limited knowledge of the city. She also included clips and stories from her first championship while playing with Diana Taurasi, whom she called “my GOAT.”
Her IG post garnered message of support from fans.
“My wife and I will support every game and look forward to seeing on the Houston WNBA team……🔥🔥🔥,” said one commenter.
“Thank you for being authentically you! A true legend and future HOF 🫶🏼,” another one wrote.
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The training camp has begun for Griner and the Sun. They will have two pre-season games. First is against the Toronto Tempo and second one is against the New York Liberty who is also their opening night assignment.
Related: Brittney Griner Apologizes to New Sun Teammates at Practice
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.