Brittney Griner isn’t done just yet, and the Connecticut Sun are betting on exactly that.
In a move that no one could have predicted, the Sun have secured a seven-figure deal with 10-time All-Star Griner. And as Marina Mabrey leaves this franchise to join the Toronto Tempo, this move might have just come at the right time.
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At 6-foot-9, Griner remains one of the most physically imposing players in the WNBA.
However, her last season with the Atlanta Dream told a very different story than the one fans were used to. In a team that played with pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting, her role was limited. She averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, and by the time we reached the end of the season, her minutes dropped significantly as the rotation tightened.
If you are wondering whether her minutes were limited due to her performance, that wasn’t the case. Griner sat more and more on the sidelines because Atlanta leaned into a modern offensive identity that moved away from traditional interior play (what she does best). Still, even with her time on the court trimmed down, she remained efficient around the rim and continued to anchor defensive possessions in limited stretches.
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That’s where the Sun presents a different environment.
This franchise has consistently been in the playoff conversation, but hasn’t quite broken through. So this move from their front office might have been very calculated. They don’t need another scorer. They need a piece that can demand control in the paint. And Brittney Griner gives them exactly that.
We know how the Sun have often relied on perimeter execution, so adding a true interior anchor on their roster will change the way opponents prepare to play against them. If her skills can be used in the right way, she could be the very piece that changes how far this team can go in the upcoming 2026 season.
Her move to join this franchise all comes with a full-circle moment. The Connecticut Sun is preparing to relocate to Houston in 2027 after being purchased by Fertitta Entertainment. Yes, the same group that owns the Houston Rockets. So if she stays with them for more than one season, there is a real possibility that she could finish her career in Houston, the very place she grew up.
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But still, this move might just be one part of a bigger frontcourt plan in Connecticut.
Cotie McMahon Could Be the Next Piece for the Sun
With Brittney Griner, this franchise has secured a veteran player, but they could also be looking to inject some youth into that same space. And that’s where McMahon enters the conversation.
The Ole Miss Rebels’ forward has built one of the most impressive offensive résumés in her class.
With her ability to operate in the paint, McMahon brings a versatile skill set that fits well with modern frontcourt demands. She doesn’t rely on one area of the floor, as she creates, attacks, and adapts depending on what the game asks of her.
Jan 4, 2026. Cotie McMahon (32) of the Ole Miss Rebels in action vs the Texas Longhorns at the Moody Center in Austin Texas. Texas defeats Ole Miss 67-64. CSM Austin USA – ZUMAc04_ 20260104_zma_c04_092 Copyright: xRobertxBackmanx
After spending three seasons at Ohio State, McMahon took a leap of faith by transferring to Ole Miss for her final year. With the Rebels, she averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, which was a clear boost from her stats with the Buckeyes.
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Even though her college career ended in a way she didn’t expect (She fouled out), her impact across the season has been undeniable. And now, that production is starting to translate into real draft buzz.
McMahon is expected to land with the Connecticut Sun at No. 15 overall in the upcoming WNBA Draft, as per a recent projection by USA Today.
They highlighted her ability to contribute to the team as a utility forward. So for a team like Connecticut, that kind of addition could complement a move like Brittney Griner’s.
If this were to materialize, the Connecticut Sun could walk into the 2026 season with a frontcourt that blends experienced players with young blood. And that combination might be exactly what the Sun needs to finally turn their franchise around.
