5 Shocking Facts About Anthony Davis And Brittney Griner’s Rumored Past Relationship

The worlds of the NBA and WNBA rarely collide in the realm of personal relationships, but for years, a persistent rumor has linked two of basketball’s biggest stars: Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner. As of December 2025, both athletes are married to other partners, yet the speculation about their alleged past romance—and even a rumored engagement—continues to circulate among fans and sports media. This article delves into the little-known history between the two dominant big men, culminating in Anthony Davis's most recent public statement about Griner's high-profile return to the United States.

This deep dive reveals the timeline of their rumored connection, the context of their separate lives today, and the specific comments made by Davis following Griner’s release from Russia, providing the most current and unique perspective on a relationship that remains shrouded in mystery.

Detailed Biography Profiles: Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner

To fully understand the context of their rumored relationship, it is essential to first establish the current and professional standing of both basketball icons.

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Anthony Davis (AD) Profile

• Full Name: Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.
• Nicknames: AD, The Brow
• Born: March 11, 1993 (Chicago, Illinois)
• Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
• Position: Power Forward / Center
• NBA Draft: 1st overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft (New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans)
• Current NBA Team (As of Feb 2025): Dallas Mavericks
• Career Highlights: NBA Champion (2020), 9× NBA All-Star, 4× All-NBA First Team, 4× NBA All-Defensive Team.
• Current Spouse: Marlen Polanco Davis (Married September 18, 2021)

Brittney Griner (BG) Profile

• Full Name: Brittney Yvette Griner
• Nicknames: BG
• Born: October 18, 1990 (Houston, Texas)
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
• Position: Center
• WNBA Draft: 1st overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft (Phoenix Mercury)
• Current WNBA Team: Phoenix Mercury (re-signed in 2024)
• Career Highlights: WNBA Champion (2014), 8× WNBA All-Star, 2× WNBA Scoring Champion, 2× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
• Current Spouse: Cherelle Griner (Married June 2019)
• Notable Legal Event: Detained in Russia from February 2022 and released in a high-profile prisoner swap in December 2022.

The Truth Behind the Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner Dating Rumors

The alleged romantic link between Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner is not a recent phenomenon. It dates back to the early stages of both of their professional careers, specifically when Davis was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and Griner was with the Phoenix Mercury. The initial rumors were fueled by speculation about a relationship between the two dominant centers in their respective leagues.

The most shocking element of the speculation was the claim that the two were once engaged. This rumor gained traction in 2015, following Griner's highly publicized and short-lived marriage to WNBA star Glory Johnson.

However, despite the persistent nature of the claims, the rumors of dating and especially of an engagement lack substantial, verifiable evidence. Anthony Davis himself has denied the engagement rumors in the past, clarifying the nature of their relationship.

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The exact timeline of their purported romance remains unclear, as neither athlete has ever publicly confirmed that they were a couple. The consensus among sports reporters is that any relationship was brief and occurred "back in the day," well before both players settled down with their current spouses.

The Surprising Reason the Rumors Resurfaced in Recent Years

The old speculation about Davis and Griner was largely dormant until a major international event brought Griner back into the global spotlight: her detention in Russia on drug charges in February 2022.

As the WNBA community, the NBA, and the U.S. government rallied for her release, media outlets began recalling Griner's past personal life, leading to the resurfacing of the Anthony Davis dating and engagement rumors.

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During the peak of the media coverage, some reports noted Davis's "curious silence" on the matter, especially given the high-profile nature of Griner's situation. However, this silence was broken upon her safe return to the United States.

Davis’s “Amazing” Reaction to Griner’s Return

Following Brittney Griner's release via a prisoner swap in December 2022, Anthony Davis, then a star for the Los Angeles Lakers, was asked for his thoughts on the news. His response was brief, but clearly heartfelt and positive.

Speaking to reporters, Davis called Griner's return "Amazing." This simple, powerful word was a rare public acknowledgment from Davis about his former alleged partner, showing genuine relief and happiness for the WNBA star's safe journey home.

His comment, alongside those from other NBA figures like LeBron James, underscored the solidarity within the professional basketball community during a time of international crisis.

Where Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner Stand Today

Despite the lingering rumors and their linked history, both Anthony Davis and Brittney Griner have moved on and built strong personal lives with their respective partners.

• Anthony Davis and Marlen Davis: AD married Marlen Polanco Davis in a private, high-profile ceremony in Los Angeles in September 2021. Their relationship is known to be extremely private, focusing on their family life away from the intense media scrutiny of the NBA.
• Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner: Brittney married Cherelle Griner in June 2019. Cherelle played a highly visible and vocal role in advocating for Brittney's release from Russia, bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA star's plight and demonstrating the strength of their bond.

The fact that two of basketball's most dominant big players—one male, one female—were once linked is a fascinating footnote in their careers. While the "engagement" story appears to be a rumor that spiraled out of control, Davis's recent public comment on Griner’s safe return serves as the most current and definitive proof that a respectful connection remains between the two athletes.

Their story is a testament to the separate but intertwined worlds of professional basketball, where on-court dominance is often matched by off-court drama and speculation. The most important takeaway, however, is that both stars continue to thrive in their careers, with Davis now a key player for the Dallas Mavericks and Griner back on the court with the Phoenix Mercury.