Kendrick Perkins believes that the Suns are pursuing Jimmy Butler, so they can please and extend Kevin Durant.

Suns guard Devin Booker was irate after an upset loss to the Hornets, only 24 hours after winning in Philadelphia.

According to former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, it has to do with Butler's friendship with Kevin Durant. As such, getting Butler would also guarantee that Durant, who's extension eligible and will earn $51,179,020 for the ongoing season, will stay put.

A day after Charles Barkley said the Phoenix Suns “stink,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called them “soft” based on what the “NBA people” are saying as he put it. A team with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal that went into the season with championship aspirations shouldn’t have a losing record and be 12 th in the West even with a number of injuries.

As the Phoenix Suns explore ways to make a deal for Jimmy Butler, there has been no thought on Bradley Beal's part thus far about helping them facilitate

Miami has suspended Jimmy Butler for conduct detrimental to the team and he's asked for a trade. We're looking at potential outcomes, what Butler's departure would mean for the Heat, and how this moment could shape the way he's remembered.

Jimmy Butler may now be trying to steer the trade bus in one particular direction. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported on Tuesday that executives involved say that the disgruntled Miami Heat star Butler has been making it “pretty obvious” that he has one desired trade destination.

"The Suns seem to be in desperation mode, sitting under .500 and outside of the Western Conference Play-In picture. Butler would be about as perfect a fit between Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as you could find, as he has the ability to take on tough defensive assignments and also handle the ball," wrote Sam Vecenie.

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler reportedly wants to team up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported

Most trades will wait until summer if only because the 2025 NBA Draft order is set by then and free agency becomes clearer. Still, this is when buyers and sellers identify themselves based on their place in the standings.

The Phoenix Suns are expected to be major buyers before the Feb. 6 trade deadline to turn their season around.