PHOENIX (AP) — Bradley Beal scored 25 points, Kevin Durant added 23 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Atlanta Hawks 123-115 on Thursday night.

It would have been easy to assume the Phoenix Suns' decision to bench Bradley Beal was done in part to motivate him to waive his no-trade clause ahead of

Suns guard Bradley Beal has not discussing waiving his no-trade clause, with his agent telling ESPN that "Bradley's total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around."

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.

Jimmy Butler, you are a Phoenix Sun. That is if Kevin Durant gets what he reportedly wants. The source of Durant’s desires is questionable, so take it with a grain of salt, but former NBA player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks the Suns are aiming to trade for

Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler!” Kendrick Perkins made a bold claim about the Suns willing to sign Butler on a two-year $121 million deal because of his friendship with KD. The post Mike Budenholzer Confirms Bold Stance on Suns Roster After $121M Offer to Kevin Durant's Friend Jimmy Butler appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The Phoenix Suns head to the Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets in a non-conference matchup. The Suns are 16-18, which puts them in 12th place in the Western Conference. The Hornets are 7-27, which puts them in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.

Devin Booker had game-highs 39 points and 10 assists with six rebounds and Kevin Durant put up 26 points but the Phoenix Suns lost to the Charlotte Hornets, 115-104, on Tuesday to conclude a three-game road trip.

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The Phoenix Suns have covered the point spread in only 14 of 37 games, which is an NBA-worst .378 cover percentage. However, with their new starting lineup, they are both 1-1 straight up and against the spread (ATS).