Brittney Griner Russia drug case timeline - Prison, trial, release - ESPN

Brittney Griner was arrested last year at a Moscow airport on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months, spending much of that time in prison. Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the United States, ending only after she was freed in exchange for a notorious Russian arms dealer.

The eight-time WNBA All-Star, since her release, has made public appearances and announced her intentions to write a memoir about her ordeal. Griner said she hopes her book will help other Americans detained overseas, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — who was arrested in Russia last month and accused of espionage — and Paul Whelan, who is still being held on spying charges.

Griner re-signed with Phoenix in February and will earn $165,000 for the upcoming season.

Griner is scheduled to speak Thursday, and she will also appear at the Mercury's media day on May 3. Griner and the Mercury will play the Sparks in Los Angeles on opening day, May 19.

Feb. 17: Mercury star is detained

While traveling to Russia to play overseas in the offseason, Griner is detained at Sheremetyevo Airport outside of Moscow after customs officials allege they found vape cartridges that contained oil derived from cannabis in her luggage. Griner was returning to play for club team UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, where she has competed in the WNBA offseason since 2014. There is no public announcement of her arrest.

Feb. 24: Russia invades Ukraine

Russian military forces, on the orders of Vladimir Putin, invade Ukraine, triggering a series of harsh economic sanctions from the United States and other western nations that complicate efforts by U.S. officials to bring