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 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.