SACRAMENTO -- Traveling in style.
The Sacramento Kings had all of their plans worked out for their long flight to India on Monday, but then owner Vivek Ranadivé decided to add a new wrinkle when he reached out to Canadian hip-hop artist Drake for some assistance.
As of Saturday morning, the players and a few select coaches will now board ‘Air Drake' for the estimated 22-hour flight to India. The $220 million private jet is spacious and built for luxury.
"Yesterday, out of consideration for the comfort of the players given the travel time required to make this historic trip to India, the Kings finalized an additional aircraft for the players and several members of the coaching staff," the team told NBC Sports California.
With a long trip ahead, the players have no issue hoping on Drake's plane. In fact, they are looking forward to the trip and are very appreciative of Ranadivé for making it all happen.
"Drake is someone that I've met, that I know," De'Aaron Fox said. "It's great, I want to say thank you to Vivek for pushing for us to do this."
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De'Aaron Fox on Kings flying Air Drake to India. pic.twitter.com/XXfJ1qlvUo— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) September 28, 2019
Regardless of how they get there, it's a very long trip. Fox intends to read a book or two and if the wifi is strong enough, he'll hop online and play video games.
Second-year forward Marvin Bagley has a different idea.
"I might have to write a new album in that 18 hour flight, it's going to be a long one," Marvin Bagley said. "I'm definitely going to have my pen and pad ready."
Marvin Bagley ready to use his flight time to India to cut some new tracks. pic.twitter.com/MXAqJYDAye— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) September 28, 2019
[RELATED: Barnes on 'biggest thing' for Kings on India trip]
The Kings leave Monday evening for the first leg of their trip. They'll make a brief stop in London for fuel and before the final 10 hour flight to India. With the time change, they'll get in on Wednesday morning.
The Athletic was first with the story.
