This week, US President Joe Biden revealed that he and Russian authorities had agreed to a prisoner exchange to get back WNBA legend, Brittney Griner in exchange for Viktor Bout
Brittney Griner was released by Russia in exchange for Viktor Bout.
Viktor Bout, an arms dealer and weapons smuggler was returned to Russia in return by the United States. Before Biden negotiated a settlement with Russian authorities, the 55-year-old Bout had already served more than 14 years in prison.
Viktor Bout Reveals What He Told Brittney Griner During Prisoner Swap Trade In Interview
Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport for possessing less than a gram of hashish oil (the substance is illegal in Russia). Less than a year after her arrest, the Phoenix Mercury star who had been sentenced to nine years in prison in August was eventually set free.
What did Bout say to Griner?
Bout recounted what he said to Griner after the prisoner swap deal during an appearance on the Russian television news programme RT (via Reuters). Bout remarked, “I wished her well, she even kind of put out her hand to me. Once more, it’s our custom. Everyone deserves your best wishes for happiness and success.”
Throughout 2022, one of the most extensively watched sports stories was Griner’s arrest, trial, and conviction. After a protracted period of negotiation, Biden and U.S. officials were eventually able to bring her back to the country.
Griner: Soon to enter the Hall of Fame
Griner is one of the best basketball players of her generation and will likely go into the Hall of Fame. The Mercury won the WNBA Championship in 2014 under the direction of the two-time WNBA scoring leader and eight-time WNBA All-Star. The 32-year-old Griner has excelled on the global stage as well, leading the United States to victories at the 2014 and 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cups as well as Olympic gold at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Games.
The Mercury advanced to the WNBA Finals in 2021, but the Chicago Sky defeated them in four games. The Mercury struggled and concluded the 2022 season with a dismal 15-21 record while Griner was sidelined for the whole campaign. The Mercury’s entire dynamic has changed with Griner back at home. The eight-time league leader in blocks and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year will provide the Mercury with a huge boost when the new season starts.