The Suns (25-23) sit in eighth in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Warriors (24-24). As the likelihood of Butler joining the Suns seemingly continues to dwindle, it could potentially open up a path for Durant to make a stunning return to the Warriors.

The path to Durant alone does seem plausible. Phoenix, entering Monday’s business, continued to signal that it does not plan to move Kevin Durant before the deadline, sources said, but the