The Phoenix Suns are reshaping their front office ahead of naming a new head coach to succeed Mike Budenholzer, per NBA insider Marc Stein. General manager James Jones is currently leading the team’s coaching search.
The Suns failed to meet expectations, frustrating fans after a promising 8-1 start spiraled into a 36-46 finish that didn’t even include a Play-In Tournament berth. Major changes are already underway in Phoenix—before the NBA offseason has even officially begun.
Budenholzer is out after only one season, and team owner Mat Ishbia emphasized that Phoenix will be patient in its search for a new head coach—a smart strategy after going through three coaches in three years.
Phoenix may soon have more than just a head coaching vacancy to address, as president of basketball operations and general manager James Jones could be on his way out. His contract expires in June, and with no signs of an extension, many fans now believe the 2024-25 campaign will be his final season with the franchise.
James Jones leading the Suns coaching search
However, Stein’s latest report suggests that might not be the case. At the very least, Jones could be stripped of his authority as the front office’s primary decision-maker and moved into a different role. According to Stein, Jones has been “operating as the point guard for the Phoenix coaching search.”
Stein also pointed out that sources say Phoenix “ideally” wants to reshape its front office before bringing in a new head coach. Allowing Jones to steer the search seems counterintuitive if he isn’t expected to stay with the franchise past June.
The Suns’ top front-office target is Bob Myers, but luring the former Warriors GM away from his roles with ESPN and the Washington Commanders won’t be easy, as Marc Stein previously reported. If Phoenix succeeds in bringing Myers to The Valley, he would clearly replace James Jones as the lead decision-maker—though that wouldn’t necessarily mean Jones exits the organization.
This summer is already shaping up to be a chaotic one in Arizona. While Kevin Durant trade talks haven’t taken off yet, they’re clearly looming. All indications suggest Durant has played his final game in a Suns uniform.
Phoenix quietly explored trade options for him before the deadline, reportedly blindsiding KD in the process. With limited assets and minimal cap flexibility, the Suns’ outlook appears grim—but Mat Ishbia has made it clear: a rebuild isn’t on the table.
Maximizing the return for Durant will be a top priority, even with Durant holding leverage in any potential deal. For now, Jones still appears to be part of those decisions—and possibly more.
