Phoenix Suns Leaning Towards Promoting James Jones to Full-Time General Manager

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver is leaning towards hiring interim general manager James Jones as the franchise’s full-time GM, according to ESPN.

James Jones Could Become Suns’ Full-Time GM

Sarver fired GM Ryan McDonough on Sunday night and told Jones and assistant GM Trevor Bookstein to split the oversight of basketball operations on an interim basis on Monday. Jones was previously the vice president of basketball operations.

Sarver has left little doubt that Jones will be leading Phoenix’s basketball operations in the future, according to ESPN. However, Sarver has a history of changing his mind, without warning, on personnel matters. Firing McDonough nine days before the Suns’ opening night is just the latest example.

Last year, Jones retired from the NBA and was hired to apprentice under McDonough and prepare for a larger role in the organization.

Sarver has never favored experienced or successful executives to lead his team but it’s not like he can recruit one with his poor leadership reputation.

McDonough had two years left on his contract.

Jones had already started working on assembling his own scouting staff, according to ESPN.

Sarver hired Jones to a front office that struggled to communicate with players. He was fresh off a 14-year NBA career that included three championships and a longtime partnership with Lebron James.

Sarver has a reputation as an owner who prys into basketball decisions and coaches and front-office staff have found it difficult to perform their job after the Suns became Sarver’s primary business interest two years ago.