Through conversations with Kings officials in recent weeks, Houston Rockets officials were aware of the increasing likelihood of a potential De'Aaron Fox trade away from Sacramento, especially as the prospect of the 27-year-old guard signing a long-term extension with the Kings became less and less plausible.

Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was benched earlier this season, and in a perfect world, the Suns would love to use his $18.1 million salary to land a difference-maker. In the meantime, though, he is still a member of the Suns and is working through those difficult circumstances.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will not waive his no-trade clause to go to the Chicago Bulls, a source familiar with the three-time All-Star’s thinking told The Athletic.Source: New York Times

Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was unceremoniously benched.

Jusuf Nurkic said that he has no relationship with Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer over the past two months, but the coach disagrees.

Jusuf Nurkić and Mike Budenholzer aren’t in a good place.

And then Butler got suspended by the Miami Heat. Again.

Jusuf Nurkic was a starting NBA center for nine seasons and in a matter of weeks, his world has been tipped upside down.Suns coach Mike Budenholzer moved Nurkic to the bench and now he hasn't play

Speaking Wednesday on his Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective podcast (beginning at the 17:09 mark), ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst suggested that the Kings are not in the mix for Butler:

Amid the ongoing turmoil with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler is expected to be traded before the NBA deadline. The Phoenix Suns are one of the top potential destinations, but a legend believes the team’s immediate focus should be addressing a different issue first.