Suns Expected To Retain James Jones

While changes could be coming to the disappointing Phoenix Suns, it does not appear that president of basketball operations James Jones will be impacted.

Per Shams Charania and Doug Haller of The Athletic, the Suns will retain Jones after being swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

Multiple reports suggest, however, that coach Frank Vogel may not be as fortunate — and that he could instead be replaced after just one season with the franchise.

“It’s likely Looney Tunes around here,” one Suns source told Hoops Wire, referring to the ownership of Mat Ishbia.

Jones, 43, was hired as Suns GM in 2019, just two years after his playing career had ended. He quickly fired then-coach Igor Kokoskov after one season, hiring fellow former NBA forward Monty Williams as the replacement. Williams was fired at the end of last season, though many believe that was a decision made by Ishbia.

Jones was given his current title at the start of the 2023-23 season.

The Suns are a bit handcuffed financially, with massive contracts being paid to the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, who flopped in his first year in Phoenix. So Jones will have to get creative in repurposing a roster that was clearly overpaid and overrated.

But from the sounds of things, at least he will be given the chance.

Jones played in the NBA from 2003-17, mostly as a perimeter shooter for hire off the bench, quickly becoming one of LeBron James‘ favorite teammates, both with the Heat and then later the Cavaliers.

Jones and James won two titles together with the Heat, then another with the Cavs.

• Related | Source on Suns Under Mat Ishbia: ‘It’s Like Looney Tunes Around Here’