NBA

The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray agreed to a long-term contract extension following a passive-aggressive offseason contract squabble, and Arizona's two United States senators are calling for the immediate release of Brittney Griner from a Russian jail – these are the top stories from the world of sports from July 18-24.

The Phoenix Suns announced on July 18 that center Deandre Ayton officially re-signed to a multi-year contract.

A former NASCAR driver was stabbed to death by a suspect at a California gas station, a soccer player who grew up in Phoenix died following a hit-and-run crash in Georgia, and Deandre Ayton is staying with the Suns after all – these are the top stories from the world of sports from July 11-17.

For the week of June 27 to July 3, the top sports stories included the Britney Griner trial in Russia, an NBA star accused of felony domestic violence, the iconic Stanley Cup trophy being delivered to the wrong address, the first USFL championship game, and a major shakeup in college football.

Booker’s agent confirmed that the deal was struck. It can be signed as early as July 6, when the NBA’s offseason moratorium on player movement is lifted and most new contracts and extensions can be officially executed.

ESPN first reported Durant’s trade request, citing Phoenix and Miami as two of his preferred destinations.

Morgan Cato comes to Phoenix after spending nearly a decade with the NBA league office, where she most recently worked as the associate vice president of business operations for NBA’s league operations department.

Pope Francis, 85, has been using a wheelchair to get around after straining ligaments in his right knee. He had to postpone a planned July 2-7 visit to Congo and South Sudan because doctors said the trip would jeopardize his therapy.

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been held in Russia since February, after Russian authorities said they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.