Stephen A. Smith explains how the disconnect between Jimmy Butler and the Heat could impact Miami's ability to attract star players moving forward.

A day after Charles Barkley said the Phoenix Suns “stink,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called them “soft” based on what the “NBA people” are saying as he put it. A team with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal that went into the season with championship aspirations shouldn’t have a losing record and be 12 th in the West even with a number of injuries.

Stephen A. Smith is never afraid of stating his opinion, no matter who it upsets. Right now he is very opinionated about his view of the Phoenix Suns. Speaking on “First Take,” via Legion Hoops, Smith said the Suns are “soft” and that is the main reason why they are fighting to trade for Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat.

Suns guard Devin Booker was irate after an upset loss to the Hornets, only 24 hours after winning in Philadelphia.

The ongoing Butler-Heat saga sparked a lively discussion among the studio show’s analysts/former NBA players Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal in the early hours of Wednesday morning after Tuesday night’s games.

Our NBA insiders break down this week's Power Rankings, including obvious -- and not so obvious -- trade deadline moves for all 30 teams.

As the Jimmy Butler drama continues in Miami, different people are pointing the blame at the different characters in the story. However, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith refused to put the sole blame on either Butler or Heat president Pat Riley because both have their share of flaws in their fallout.

Jimmy Butler's trade request continues to be a hot topic in the NBA, so it's not surprising that Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson talked about it on their podcast, "All The Smoke." In the latest development,

The Lakers could have a very strong defensive presence on the wings with Max Christie and Dorian Finney-Smith.

KILKENNY INCLEMENT WEATHER We’re a week into the New Year and a number of scheduled competitions have already gone to the wall, as heavy rain, sleet and snow swept across Kilkenny in the last few days.

As the NBA season continues, the biggest name on the market appears to be that of Jimmy Butler. His time in South Beach looks set to be coming to an end as he is believed to have informed the Miami Heat that he would like to be traded before the deadline.