James Jones departs Suns to join NBA league office

Former Phoenix Suns president of basketball operations and general manager James Jones has accepted a position as executive vice president and head of basketball operations at the NBA league office. This follows his reassignment to a senior advisor role with the Suns on May 1st and the expiration of his contract on June 30th. Jones replaces Joe Dumars, who is now the New Orleans Pelicans' vice president of basketball operations.

NBA president of league operations Byron Spruell stated that Jones is "widely respected across the NBA for being an inspiring leader and the consummate teammate" during his over 20 years as a player and executive. Spruell cited Jones' "exceptional relationship-building skills and deep basketball expertise" as qualities making him well-suited to guide the NBA's efforts to shape the game's direction.

In his new league role, Jones will be responsible for developing playing rules and interpretations, overseeing conduct and discipline, and managing policies related to game operations. He will also engage with players, coaches, team executives, and referees on the state of the game and playing rules issues.

Jones' departure from the Suns came after he was demoted to senior advisor as the team promoted Brian Gregory to general manager and retained CEO/president Josh Bartelstein. His tenure leading basketball operations ended after working with five head coaches, two owners, and one interim governor since transitioning from his playing career (2003-2017) directly to the Suns' front office in 2017.

Hired by former owner Robert Sarver, Jones was promoted to GM in 2019 and later to president of basketball operations. Key moves under his leadership included hiring coach Monty Williams and acquiring Chris Paul, leading the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals (their third appearance) and a franchise-record 64 wins the following season. Jones, the 2021 NBA Executive of the Year, received a contract extension in January 2022.