All signs are pointing to Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler holding the Phoenix Suns as his No. 1 trade destination. If that's the case, there are a few obstacles to

The Phoenix Suns (16-19) begin their first of a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks (19-18) on Thursday.

Butler has reportedly told teams he will not sign a contract extension, as he has a player option for the 2025-26 season and could hit free agency if he chooses. He's also reportedly shut down most potential teams in a deal - besides the Suns.

Television viewership is down from this time a year ago. This matters to Kevin Durant, a 14-time All-Star who's seen what the NBA can do.

With the Phoenix Suns' latest embarrassing loss, it might be time to have an uncomfortable conversation soon on their long-term direction. What happens next in Phoenix?

There was a stoppage in play as Lee was fouled by Pacers backup big Thomas Bryant with 2.9 seconds left. On the Suns broadcast, Grayson Allen and Booker are both standing up talking to each other with Mason Plumlee sitting on the bench between the two.

“It’s not like we’re not aggressive or that we’re not physical, either,” Suns star Kevin Durant said. “We just can’t get into a shoving match because they want to get into a shoving match. Just keep playing our game.”

Receiving major bench contributions from both Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen, the Phoenix Suns won 123-115 over the Atlanta Hawks. Beal led the Suns (17-19) with 25 points and both Allen and Kevin Durant scored 23 apiece.

The Phoenix Suns are headed in the wrong direction as a franchise. They've assembled a star-studded roster around Devin Booker, even adding a premier scorer and Hall of Fame player in Kevin Durant. The club's owner, Mat Ishiba, took over the team and was a willing spender -- a trait any fan should want a team owner to have.

The Phoenix Suns (16-19) begin their first of a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks (19-18) on Thursday.

The Suns' 2024 draft selections can be viewed as a positive so far, given Phoenix's future without much draft capital except for a 2031 first-rounder.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.