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Now's the Time for James Jones to Close in on Kevin Durant

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Suns
By Donnie Druin | Last updated 7/9/22

Today's world of technology and social media makes physical conversations and personal relationships almost obsolete.

We can utilize phones, tablets and computers to speak to each other in real time with crystal clear quality. Why conduct business in-person when connecting virtually is easier for all parties involved?

Today's world has rapidly advanced to new ways of orchestrating deals at all levels, although Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones has a unique opportunity to do business the old fashion way.

The Bright Lights of Las Vegas

The entire NBA is in Las Vegas for the 2022 Summer League, and while the Suns were able to handle business in a 104-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, all the interest has been focused on Jones and what he'll be able to accomplish off the court.

It's been over a week since Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, and the superstar has yet to be moved despite a significant number of potential suitors interested in his talents.

The Nets have reportedly played hardball in negotiations, asking for a king's ransom in exchange for the decorated scorer.

Phoenix, who by many insider reports is the much preferred destination for Durant, has yet to strike a deal with Brooklyn.

A deal would involve mega draft picks and what could potentially be gutting a Suns roster that consists of anybody except Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The precise price isn't exactly known at this point in time, and the Nets seem content to hold onto Durant and Kyrie Irving until they see value.

There's plenty of variables and moving parts in getting Durant in a Suns uniform, and while talks may have been tough virtually, both Jones and Nets general manager Sean Marks are in Las Vegas to take in the newest action on the court.

However, the most important part for specifically Marks and Jones isn't the games being played. It's not the craps tables, either. It's getting behind closed doors and making progress on a trade package for Durant.

Surely Jones isn't the high ranking executive looking to make a splash, as Marks is perhaps the most popular man in Las Vegas at the moment (sorry to the Elvis impersonators).

However, Phoenix ultimately is the team Durant has expressed desires to play for, and while the Nets won't have to oblige KD, a good business practice may be trying to work out a deal with the Suns.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski offered this to say on where the Nets stand with Durant at the moment:

Woj Gives Input Into Nets Negotiations

"Brooklyn's focus right now is seeing if there's a deal to be made for Kevin Durant. They seem to be focused on that element first before they might move forward to really get engaged with LA (Lakers) on a potential Kyrie Irving deal," said Wojnarowski.

"I think this is an important stretch of time now, being here at Summer League. The Nets' GM Sean Marks arrived in town today and he'll engage with teams. James Jones from the Suns is here, Masai Ujiri from Toronto, the Miami (Heat) contingent and a lot of others. I think a deal as complex as the one that might be out there for Kevin Durant might take multiple teams. I think there is a value of being together in person in a place (like Las Vegas). I think we'll have a better sense over the next 7-10 days as Sean Marks is around Vegas talking to teams about whether there's a deal to be made here in the short-term, or might this linger further into the offseason."

Time will tell if this is truly make-or-break for Phoenix's chances to get Durant, although it's obvious there is opportunity for traction to be made between the Suns and Nets.

Jones has closed similar deals in person before, although none have quite been the size of potentially landing one of the most lethal scorers in league history.

For many Suns fans wishing for Durant, here's to hoping what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

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