Kyler Murray signs contract extension, Arizona senators demand Brittney Griner's release: top sports stories

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.

Suns re-sign Deandre Ayton to multi-year contract

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

Former NASCAR driver fatally stabbed, Phoenix soccer player dies after hit-and-run: top sports stories

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.

LeBron James critical on his show of US efforts to get Brittney Griner home

“Now, how can she feel like America has her back?” James said in a trailer for an upcoming episode of his television show. “I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even wanna go back to America?’”

Britney Griner trial, a homeowner gets the Stanley Cup, a shakeup in collegiate athletics: top sports stories

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.

Devin Booker secures $224M, four-year extension from Suns

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.

Kevin Durant asks for trade from Brooklyn Nets: AP source

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

Suns hire Morgan Cato, first woman of color to become an assistant GM in NBA

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.

Phoenix Suns' Bismack Biyombo brings Congo to Pope Francis after trip canceled

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.

Warriors beat Celtics 103-90 to win 4th NBA title in 8 years

The Golden State Warriors are NBA champions once again, topping the Boston Celtics 103-90 on Thursday night for their fourth title in the last eight seasons.

Shaq buys home in Collin County

Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal bought a home in Collin County.

Steph Curry defends wife: ‘Ayesha Curry CAN cook'

Steph Curry's t-shirt read "Ayesha Curry CAN cook," a jab at a Boston-area brewery that had storefront signs mocking his wife, Ayesha, and daughter, Riley.

Warriors even Finals with a blowout win over the Celtics

Stephen Curry scored 29 points, Jordan Poole connected from just inside of midcourt to cap a huge third-quarter run and the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics 107-88 on Sunday night in Game 2 to even the NBA Finals.