The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers are the only teams that have had ongoing communication with Bronny James ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft that begins on June 26.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ESPN’s Jonathan Givony shared details on how James’ situation is unfolding during NBA Today Tuesday.
“NBA teams that I talk to say they cannot get Bronny James into their building. Teams that are drafting in the late 20s and 30s. The Phoenix Suns have a second workout scheduled with Bronny later this week, but other than that, we have not seen any NBA team be able to work him out. The sense among teams is that his agent, Rich Paul, does not want him on a two-way contract, and the range he’s going to be picked, that 40-58 range, that’s where two-way contracts are handed out. So it’s looking right now like Bronny is going to slide to No. 55 (to the Lakers).” – ESPN’s Jonathan Givony
NBA teams have been struggling to get Bronny James into their buildings, per @DraftExpress
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024
The 6-foot-4 son of LeBron James reportedly had a “strong” workout with the Suns on June 5, according to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin.
The Suns only hold the No. 22 overall pick in this year’s draft, while the Lakers have the No. 17 and No. 55 overall picks. If L.A. wants to wait to draft James, the money difference between the No. 22 pick and the No. 55 pick gives Phoenix a lot of leverage in this situation.
Bronny James is ranked as the 54th best prospect in the draft by ESPN in its latest big board. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6/26.7/67.6 shooting splits in 25 games in his lone season at USC last year.
Most reported or confirmed workouts with the Suns have been with players they will likely not reach for with the 22nd pick. As compiled by HoopsHype, this is the most updated list of players who have been confirmed or reported to work out for Phoenix, as well as their ranking on ESPN’s most recent big board (out of 100 players):
- Jaylon Tyson, SF, Cal – No. 28
- Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara – No. 44
- Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona – No. 50
- Bronny James, SG, USC – No. 54
- Trentyn Flowers, SF, Adelaide 36ers – No. 56
- Jaylin Williams, PF, Auburn – No. 92
- Jaedon LeDee, PF, San Diego State – No. 96
- Fardaws Aimaq, PF, Cal – N/A
- Mark Armstrong, PG, Villanova – N/A
- RaeQuan Battle, SG, West Virginia – N/A
- Tristan Enaruna, SF, Cleveland State – N/A
Right now, there are multiple reports that the Suns are zeroing in on Marquette PG Tyler Kolek with the No. 22 pick.
Stay tuned for more draft coverage in the coming weeks.
Bronny James, others reportedly have ‘strong’ workouts with Suns
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
