Why is Griner being held?

Other than a rough outline, few details are known about her case, feeding speculation that the Putin regime arrested Griner to use her as leverage.

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Among the scenarios that have been discussed, one potential deal would see Griner exchanged for a Russian national imprisoned in the U.S.

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notorious convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the "Merchant of Death."

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Russia's official Tass media has reported on a Bout-for-Griner exchange, saying that an official source had confirmed such discussions were taking place

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Like many WNBA players, Griner plays in overseas leagues during the U.S. league's offseason, earning far more than her WNBA salary.

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Like many WNBA players, Griner plays in overseas leagues during the U.S. league's offseason, earning far more than her WNBA salary.

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In recent years, she has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian team owned by oligarch Iskander Makhmudov

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The team has had longstanding ties to Griner's U.S. club.

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