Will a prisoner exchange between the US and Russia impact detained WNBA star Brittney Griner?

US basketballer Brittney Griner remains detained in Russia and it's unclear how an unexpected prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia that freed marine veteran Trevor Reed on Wednesday will affect the status of the WNBA star.

Griner has been detained in Russia since mid-February.

The deal announced by the US and Russia involving Reed, an American imprisoned for nearly three years, would have been a notable diplomatic manoeuvre even in times of peace.

But it is all the more surprising because it has been done at a time when Russia's war with Ukraine has driven relations with the US to their lowest point in decades.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who plays for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was arrested in Russia for allegedly possessing a cannabis derivative legal in much of the world.

The offence can mean up to 10 years in prison, but experts have predicted Griner will get much less if convicted.

Like many top WNBA players, Griner plays overseas as a way to supplement her income. She was returning to the country after the Russian League, in which she also plays, took a break for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.

It is unclear if Reed's release will have any bearing on Griner's case.

It seems unlikely it will have any immediate impact, in part because Washington has played down the idea of a broader rapprochement with Moscow at a time when Russia is at war with Ukraine.

WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has been in custody in Russia since mid February after officials at Moscow airport allegedly  found what they said was cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage.

Griner's wife, Cherelle, took to Instagram on Wednesday, saying her «heart is overflowing with joy for the Reed family».

«I do not personally know