The Phoenix Suns have only won eight games in their 26 games, the “Big 3” has essentially crumbled for the time being, and now tension could be at an all-time high.

According to Richard Jefferson, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant don’t respect each other as they used to.

To take it further, both players have cut Bradley Beal out of the picture. Plus, Jefferson is implying this has become Durant’s team.

“At what time has K.D. been teaming up with his boys worked out the way he would like?” Jefferson asked. “Because before, he loved Devin Booker. There was a mutual respect. Now, they’re not getting along. Don’t really mess with Bradley Beal. Bradley Beal’s out. Now, they’re gonna bring in Jimmy Butler potentially because that’s what K.D. wants.”

It should be stated that it is unclear whether Jefferson has any insider knowledge or is taking a different perspective on this Phoenix team. Either way, there’s always a bit of truth in each observation.

Since Durant and Booker were paired together, Phoenix has yet to be able to escape the second round of the postseason. In 2023, they fell to the Denver Nuggets. In 2024, they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mat Ishbia’s team is currently 16-19 in the season and 12th in the West. They wouldn’t qualify for the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today.

Phoenix, who recently lost to the Charlotte Hornets (a team who snapped a ten-game losing streak), is 2-8 in their last ten games. Thursday night, they take on the Atlanta Hawks.

The Suns are currently interested in acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. However, it’s unknown whether Pat Riley wants to deal him for the current offers.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will return to the court Tuesday night. Tuesday’s game is an NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both players have completed multiple days of full practice to be cleared for a return. Durant has been out since November 8th, and Beal has been out since November 12th.

Durant, 36, and Beal, 31, return from calf injuries. Durant has dealt with this type of injury since the summer leading up to the Olympics. Beal has dealt with varying injuries since last season.

The Phoenix Suns CEO, Josh Bartelstein, was asked about their relationship with Kevin Durant and whether the fans could expect an extension to be signed. As things go, the answers he provided should encourage Suns fans.

For context, Durant can sign a one-year, $59.7 million extension before October 21st. He became eligible to sign it on July 12th.

The 35-year-old veteran’s current contract (four years, $194 million) expires in 2025-26. If he were to sign the extension, then it would take him through 2026-27.

Here is what Bartelstein said regarding the questions:

“The most important thing is Kevin loves being here, and we love having Kevin here,” Bartelstein said in an interview with The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin.

“He’s focused on the Olympics, but we’re always having dialogue. The relationship is what matters the most. The relationship is in a great spot. I talk to (Durant’s agent) Rich Kleiman, who works with Kevin, all the time. Conversations are great not just on extension stuff, but on all things that have been going on.”