Free agent Brionna Jones is set to join the Atlanta Dream, as confirmed by her agent, Boris Lelchitski. This announcement was made on Thursday night, marking a new chapter for the three-time All-Star who has spent her entire career with the Connecticut Sun since being drafted 8th overall in 2017. Although free agents won’t officially sign until Saturday, the news of Jones’ transition to Atlanta has already generated excitement.

In her new team, Jones will join Brittney Griner in the frontcourt, creating a powerful duo for the Dream. Together, they will team up with Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray to form a formidable starting lineup. Griner, who recently announced her intention to sign with Atlanta, adds to the excitement surrounding the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.

The Dream has made significant changes this offseason, including a coaching overhaul with the hiring of Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast. Last season, Atlanta finished with a 15-25 record, making it to the playoffs for the second consecutive year, but faced elimination in the first round against the eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty. The team has not achieved a playoff victory since 2018, when they were ousted by the Washington Mystics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brionna Jones, now 29, had an impressive average of 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds during her last season. However, a torn Achilles tendon in June limited her participation for most of the 2023 season. Throughout her career, Jones has been vital in leading the Sun to the WNBA Finals twice, in 2019 and 2022. Her accolades include being named Sixth Player of the Year in 2022 and Most Improved Player a season prior.

With her departure, the Sun are facing significant changes, as they have also traded Alyssa Thomas to Phoenix and have DeWanna Bonner entering free agency. Under the guidance of new coach Rachid Meziane, the Connecticut team is poised for a substantial overhaul ahead of the next season, indicating a shifting landscape in the WNBA.