Suns GM James Jones’ contract set to expire this offseason

Forbes’ Evan Sidery believes Suns clean house this offseason:

In July 2017, Jones was hired as Vice President of Basketball Operations before being promoted to general manager two years later. Early in Jones’ career in Phoenix’s front office, he won the 2020-2021 NBA Executive of the Year. Jones traded for legendary point guard Chris Paul to help lead the franchise to its first Finals run since 1993.

However, since the 2021 Finals run, it’s been downhill. It went through three coaches in three years and navigated the changing of ownership and the controversy surrounding that debacle. Current Suns Mat Ishbia arrived in the franchise with bright ideas and innovative ways to resurge the team, pressuring Jones to trade for Kevin Durant.

The Jones was successful for the most part, but that offseason trading for guard Bradley Beal started Phoenix’s decline. Revolving door of coaches, poor role players, and limited flexibility because of the team’s high payroll. The Suns are now stranded with the highest payroll and no draft equity, and the blame has to go somewhere.

There are only so many times a franchise can fire a coach or trade star players before the GM faces scrutiny, and Jones is expected to get the axe this offseason.