PHOENIX – There are only two games left in the 2024-2025 regular season before a monumental offseason for the Phoenix Suns. The franchise will do some massive Spring cleaning, expected to clean house of head coach Mike Budenholzer and one of the trio of All-Stars on the roster, most likely forward Kevin Durant. However, the broom might swoop out Suns general manager James Jones as well, with his contract expected to expire this offseason.
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May 17, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones speaks during a press conference to announce Mike Budenholzer as head coach. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Forbes’ Evan Sidery believes Suns clean house this offseason:
In July 2017, Jones was hired as Vice President of Basketball Operations before being promoted to general manager two years later. Early in Jones’ career in Phoenix’s front office, he won the 2020-2021 NBA Executive of the Year. Jones traded for legendary point guard Chris Paul to help lead the franchise to its first Finals run since 1993.
May 17, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Mike Budenholzer poses alongside General Manager James Jones during a press conference to announce his job as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
However, since the 2021 Finals run, it’s been downhill. It went through three coaches in three years and navigated the changing of ownership and the controversy surrounding that debacle. Current Suns Mat Ishbia arrived in the franchise with bright ideas and innovative ways to resurge the team, pressuring Jones to trade for Kevin Durant.
Feb 16, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, Forward Kevin Durant and General Manager James Jones pose for a photo at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Jones was successful for the most part, but that offseason trading for guard Bradley Beal started Phoenix’s decline. Revolving door of coaches, poor role players, and limited flexibility because of the team’s high payroll. The Suns are now stranded with the highest payroll and no draft equity, and the blame has to go somewhere.
There are only so many times a franchise can fire a coach or trade star players before the GM faces scrutiny, and Jones is expected to get the axe this offseason.
Suns’ Kevin Durant is not looking to return for the rest of the season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
