Brittney Griner released by Russia in prisoner swap for an arms dealer and fans let their feelings known: “Left a marine there L trade”

Earlier Thursday morning, news surfaced that WNBA star Brittney Griner was on a plane back to the United States. The news came as a result of the United States government brokering a deal to secure Griner's release in exchange for "The Merchant of Death," notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The news marked the end of a lengthy battle between the United States and Russia over her future.

After being arrested 294 days earlier for possession of marijuana oil, Griner was later sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. Reports emerged that her sentence wouldn't just be spent in prison, it would also be spent at one of the more notorious labor camps. Throughout the saga, the WNBA helped rally activists who continued to fight for Griner's release.

Despite the fact that the WNBA star has been safely released, not everyone was happy with the prisoner exchange. Many weren't too happy with the fact that the United States traded someone convicted of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and officials for Griner. Fans took to social media to give their thoughts.

Brittney Griner headed home after nearly a year behind bars

Although it seems people are split regarding the circumstances of Griner's release, the news that the WNBA star is safely returning to her wife is huge. After she was sentenced to nine years in prison, many believed that the United States wouldn't have a chance to bring her home early. As a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, many deemed Griner to be a political prisoner.

Michael Jordan's daughter agreed with the sentiment during an interview with Footwear News. During the podcast, she said that Brittney Griner was being used as part of a larger political play. Fortunately for Griner and her wife, despite ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the United States government was able to negoatite her release.

Griner's wife, Cherelle, spoke about the news on Thursday morning:

"Today, I am just standing here overwhelmed with emotions, but the most important emotion I have right now is just sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration.

"Thank you everybody for your support, and today's just a happy day for me and my family, so I'm gonna smile right now. Thank you."

In her statement, Griner's wife also made sure to thank Griner's teammates on the Phoenix Mercury. Both the Mercury and the Phoenix Suns have prominently displayed "BG #42" on the Footprint Center court as a reminder to all of the situation.

With Brittney Griner back home, many are wondering what's next for the eight-time WNBA All-Star.

After back-to-back seasons with All-Star selections, as well as a 2021 blocks leader title to her name, Griner could return to the Mercury. At the same time, given all that she's gone through over the course of the past 294 days, it wouldn't be surprising for her to take some time off to spend with her family. The WNBA season begins May 19.

Below you can see the footage of Griner's wife, Cherelle, speaking about her release shortly after the news broke.