The Phoenix Suns announced a pair of major news items in their front office on Wednesday. First, the team extended the contract of general manager Ryan McDonough. The Suns also hired former Cavalier and six-time NBA Finalist James Jones as Vice President of Basketball Operations.
Following from McDonough via the Suns’ press release:
“I would like to thank [Managing Partner] Robert [Sarver] and his partners for extending my agreement with this great franchise,” said McDonough. “We have laid the foundation for what we hope will become the next championship caliber Suns team. There is still a lot of work to be done to reach our ultimate goal of bringing a championship to Phoenix so we are thrilled to add James Jones to our staff.”
“James has a wealth of experiences that will greatly benefit our organization. He is a three-time NBA Champion and has been one of the top executives with the National Basketball Players Association over the past few years. We welcome ‘Champ’ and his family to our Phoenix Suns family.”
McDonough has been with the team in his current role since the beginning of the 2013-14 season, once finishing as runner-up to the NBA Executive of the Year award.
Jones, a close confidant of LeBron James, did not return to the Cavaliers this season, opting instead to take the front office position in Phoenix, for whom he played two seasons.
