The US offers Russian arms dealer in trade for Griner, Warriors Green wants four-year max extension, Sacramento Kings partner with rapper 50 Cent, LA Lakers offer Westbrook in trade to Indiana, and more basketball news.
US offers Russian arms dealer in trade for Griner
The White House has offered a prisoner swap with Russia to exchange WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, for a Russian arms dealer named Viktor Bout, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
Bout, known as the 'Merchant of Death,' is currently serving 25 years in US federal prison. Russia has previously expressed interest in trading Griner and Whelen for Bout, the Daily Caller reported.
Griner appeared in a Russian court on Wednesday and testified that she was not read her rights when detained at the Moscow airport in February, Newsmax reported. Griner said an interpreter at the airport provided her with paperwork and simply told her: "Surname. Sign."
"She didn't explain the content of the paper," Griner said. "I didn't know exactly what I was signing."
Warriors Green wants 4-year max extension
Four-time NBA All-Star and Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green is asking the franchise for a four-year max extension and is willing to explore other teams if they won't make a deal.
Green becomes eligible on August 3. The Warriors, last year's NBA championship team, has already locked in its core players for next season. However, four of its five best players are eligible for extensions this off-season, CBS Sports reported.
Sources say the Warriors do not plan on offering Green a max extension, NBC Sports reported. The rumor is that Steph Curry would not be happy if the team doesn't lock in Draymond, as he considers himself, Clay Thompson, and Green a package deal.
Sacramento Kings partner with rapper 50 Cent
The Sacramento Kings have announced a multiyear partnership with Grammy award-winning rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. On Tuesday, the Kings announced they are partnering with Jackson's premium wine and spirits company, Sire Spirits LLC, and his charity, the G-Unity Foundation.
Sire Spirits will be made the official champagne and spirits partner for one of Golden 1 Center’s largest premium clubs, Rush, serving courtside and season ticket members, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Los Angeles Lakers offer Westbrook in trade to Indiana
The Los Angeles Lakers have offered nine-time NBA All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook and a 2027 first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers for center Myles Turner and shooting guard Buddy Hield. The alleged holdup over a potential deal is that the Lakers are reportedly unwilling to include their 2029 first-round pick, as well, Fox Sports reported.