When the Phoenix Suns bought out veteran center Tyson Chandler, the move came as a shock to many since buyouts usually occur after the All-Star break. Once Chandler cleared waivers, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving LeBron James a valuable backup center.
But the million dollar question still remains: Why did the Suns part ways with Tyson Chandler so early in the season? Well, the relationship between James and Suns general manager James Jones may have played a part, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
There's one working theory of why the Suns granted Chandler the buyout now instead of in February or March when the traditional wave of buyouts occur: Phoenix interim GM James Jones was a longtime teammate of LeBron's in Miami and Cleveland.
“James did LeBron a solid,” a league source told ESPN.
James Jones and LeBron James were teammates in Miami and Cleveland. The two won three championships together and have a close relationship.
Since the Suns are rebuilding and have rookie big man Deandre Ayton playing big minutes, James Jones didn't really have any need for Chandler on the roster and must have seen that LeBron James and the Lakers needed frontcourt help.
It's nice to have friends in high places in the NBA.
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