Kim Jong Un requested the United States send "famous basketball players" to North Korea in a deal to normalize relations, Tara Palmeri of ABC News reports.

The request was reportedly made as part of the cultural exchange between the two countries ahead of their second summit in Hanoi, Vietnam in February. At one point, North Korea "insisted that it be included in the joint statement on denuclearization," according to Palmeri.

The two sides were unable to reach a deal during the summit.

NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is friends with Kim and has offered to help mediate between North Korea and the U.S. on multiple occasions.