While the US got a basketball player that can't stop being high for too long to not risk a foriegn prison.
Apparently, the US also wanted an ex-marine but looks like he was left to rot for the virtue signal. I doubt Viktor's contacts are still active after nearly a decade but it's more showing that being loyal to Russia means they will get you back eventually is good PR for them.
Edit: Thought I'd add this on as credit to MagnumRabbits who brought up something that I overlooked. What are the two things Russia is having issues with:
Weapons supply
Sanctions and embargoes
This man, just this man if he still has his golden touch, could negate a lot of the impact for BOTH of these issues, Biden just traded Russia's Oppenheimer for a knock-off LeBron James.
While Biden announced teary eyed that Griner is coming home, Marc Fogel is still in a Russian jail serving a 14 year sentence for 17 grams of MEDICAL marijuana.
Because fuck him, no prisoner exchange or even news coverage for him.
https://www.wtae.com/article/marc-fogel-remains-imprisoned-in-russia/42189259
There's also Paul Whelan, a former Marine and current glownigger. Originally the US wanted to exchange both of them, but when that proved difficult, they let the guy who faithfully served the establishment all his life rot, and exchanged the high-value prisoner for a nigger stoner who pretends to be a lesbian and openly hates the country so that a senile pedophile could do a photo op in the White House. Excellent priorities, I hope every other glownigger takes notice. This is what you can expect for your services. https://archive.ph/41jeX
Also, LMAO: https://dossier.substack.com/p/evidence-indicates-biden-admin-prioritized