Book has had everything handed to him since James Jones arrived. Promising new rookies. (Josh Jackson, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson). All-time great veterans (Chris Paul, Durant and Beal). New coaches (Monty Williams, Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer). The franchise has even upgraded the locker room and practice facility.

Chris Mannix of SI Now has gone further a report that has been circulated for nearly a month now - going to the point of removing the Golden State Warriors from the list of Butler's preferred destinations, and ultimately leaving Phoenix as the lone focus in terms of finding a new home.

While Durant has silenced his harshest critics to start the year, averaging nearly 30 points on above-average shooting splits, the Suns are a rhythmless 15-17 squad in early January. Durant clearly isn’t the problem in Phoenix, but the organization may declare its season finished by cutting ties with arguably its most skilled asset.