The trade speculation surrounding the Phoenix Suns is higher than the release point on Kevin Durant’s jumper. Jimmy Butler for Bradley Beal. Nikola Vucevic for Bradley Beal. Kevin Durant for Alperen Sengun.

PHOENIX — Devin Booker stood at his locker late Sunday night. The Phoenix Suns had just beaten the Charlotte Hornets on their home court, hardly a reason for celebration. But the effort had given the struggling Suns their third win in a row and their fourth in five games since coach Mike Budenholzer altered the lineup.

(I even heard somebody float some ridiculousness that would send Devin Booker to Detroit for half ... (Josh Jackson, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson). All-time great veterans (Chris ...

(Josh Jackson, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson ... How about Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker, Kevin Durant figure it out on their own Loaded Baylor presents next Big 12 challenge for ...

(Josh Jackson, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson ... schedule includes special intrasquad game Per diem? Devin Booker tries to raise stakes with Kevin Durant on Lions vs Commanders ...

However, their reported interest in Devin Booker is a clear indication that the Rockets are thinking big, with an eye on building a roster capable of competing for an NBA title.

The Suns got 99 of their 125 points from combined efforts of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and new center Nick Richards.

This is more than a change of scenery for new Phoenix Suns big Nick Richards. In being traded, Richards leaves a Charlotte franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 and joins one that’s looking to compete for championship.

One NBA executive joked about Suns owner Mat Ishbia having a new rule made for him with the Kevin Durant trade possibly backfiring.

Welcome back, RotoBallers! This lovely Thursday night, we have a small five-game slate ahead of us. We have a big rematch between the top two teams in the NBA. Luckily, we shouldn't see any postponements as the Los Angeles Clippers travel to Portland,

The Arizona Wildcats melted another 18 points off a big lead Tuesday, but this time it was somewhat different.

The Cavaliers returned to earning W’s, beating the Pacers 127-117. The victory ends Indiana’s six-game win streak and avenges Cleveland’s loss to them on Sunday. The win puts Donovan Mitchell and Co. back on the right track to set the stage for a showdown Thursday against the West-leading Thunder.