James Jones is leaving the Phoenix Suns front office to take a high-ranking position at the NBA league office. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jones will replace Joe Dumars as the league’s new Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
The move comes after a lengthy tenure with the Suns that began in 2017 when Jones joined as director of player personnel following his retirement as a player. He rose quickly through the organization, becoming interim general manager in 2018 before officially taking over the role in 2019.
During his time as an executive in Phoenix, Jones oversaw a series of bold trades and signings that helped transform the Suns into Western Conference contenders. His most notable moves included acquiring Chris Paul in 2020 and hiring Monty Williams, which led to the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade.
Jones was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2020–21 season after the Suns’ impressive playoff run. The franchise also set a record with 64 wins during the 2021–22 regular season under his leadership.
In November 2022, he was promoted to president of basketball operations and general manager, but after a disappointing 36–46 campaign in 2024–25, Jones was reassigned to senior advisor. Earlier this offseason, Phoenix appointed Brian Gregory as its new general manager.
At the NBA, Jones will oversee basketball operations policies, officiating matters, and competitive integrity, taking over responsibilities previously handled by Dumars, who became president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans in April.
