it wasn't until he conspired with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election that the US decided to SEEK extradition.

Let's see NATOWikipedia over here...

In 2012, diplomatic cables between Australia and the United States were released that showed the US government was investigating Assange and that "a broad range of possible charges are under consideration, including espionage and conspiracy". The diplomats dismissed claims the investigation was politically motivated, and highlighted prosecutors' claims that Manning was "guided by WikiLeaks' list of 'most wanted' leaks".[196]

Idk man, seems pretty planned-out to me...