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James Jones departs Phoenix Suns for major NBA role

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Ben Bliklen | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns and James Jones have decided to go their own ways as Jones has accepted a new role with the NBA.

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.

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.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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