Report: James Jones Facing Uncertain Future as Suns’ Top Basketball Executive

The future of James Jones as the Phoenix Suns’ lead basketball executive remains uncertain as the team enters the offseason, per NBA insiders Sam Amick, Tony Jones and Fred Katz of The Athletic.

Jones’ contract is set to expire at the end of June, and team owner Mat Ishbia is widely expected to explore alternative candidates for the role. Jones joined the Suns’ front office in 2017 and took over lead basketball operations duties in 2019, succeeding Ryan McDonough.

During his tenure, the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021 and posted the league’s best regular-season record in 2021-22 before a second-round playoff exit against the Dallas Mavericks.

As a player, Jones reached eight straight Finals — four straight with the Miami Heat, followed by four straight with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning him the nickname “Champ.”

The Suns parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after just one season. That comes after firing ex-coach Frank Vogel after just one season.

Sources told The Athletic that Ishbia and team CEO Josh Bartelstein assumed greater influence in trade discussions and day-to-day basketball operations during the 2024-25 season. Bartelstein’s long-term role within the organization also remains unclear.

Phoenix finished 36-46, missing the Play-In Tournament despite carrying a $214 million payroll and incurring $152 million in luxury tax penalties.

While the Suns’ underwhelming season was at the root of the decision, team sources say Budenholzer’s inability to manage his locker room had everything to do with the decision.

Meanwhile, Budenholzer reportedly was relieved for a multitude of reasons.

“More specifically, his contentious relationship with four-time All-Star and franchise centerpiece Devin Booker, as well as several other key players, was seen internally as a major issue,” Amick, Jones and Katz wrote. “The Suns, which are widely expected to trade Kevin Durant this summer, are still planning on building around the 28-year-old Booker and didn’t see a productive path forward with Budenholzer at the helm.”