PHOENIX – James Jones is heading to the league office.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The longtime Suns executive has been hired by the NBA to serve as Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, the league confirmed Wednesday. Jones will replace Joe Dumars, who previously held the position with the New Orleans Pelicans.
May 5, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Suns general manager prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets in game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes broke the news on Wednesday that James Jones will be leaving the Suns to join the NBA as Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. Jones will be replacing New Orleans Pelicans Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars.
BREAKING: James Jones is departing Phoenix Suns to replace Joe Dumars at NBA office to become league’s new Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations, sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/lzUy1Oe99R
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 9, 2025
Future plans for the Phoenix Suns:
The NBA will be getting somebody with a ton of experience as he was named the 2021 NBA Executive of the Year. Jones was moved to the Senior Advisor role for the Phoenix Suns back on May 1st, and Brian Gregory was promoted into the General Manager role in an according move.
Phoenix Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) talks with new Suns general manager Brian Gregory during the second quarter between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This brings an end to Jones’ tenure with the Suns. Jones came to Phoenix in 2017 to become the vice president of baseball operations, and worked his way up to the general manager role back in 2019. The Suns currently are focusing on getting ready for the NBA Summer League and building the culture with all of their new pieces.
Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Suns general manager James Jones in attendance during an introductory press conference at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
