Houston native and WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia, according to the White House.

 Griner was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, labeled the “Merchant of Death.” This was a one-for-one swap.

American and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan was not part of the exchange.

Earlier this month, Griner began serving a 9-year sentence for drug possession at a Russian penal colony in Mordovia, which is about 210 miles east of Moscow.... Read More: KHOU