The Phoenix Suns announced today that the team and general manager Ryan McDonough have agreed to a multi-year contract extension through the 2019-20 season. The team also announced that 14-year veteran swingman James Jones, recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has also joined the team as Vice President of Basketball Operations.
BREAKING: Suns extend Ryan McDonough, name James Jones Vice President of Basketball Operations. More at https://t.co/tWVL1StAtO
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 19, 2017
For McDonough, this extension shows that the Suns' ownership are committed long-term to the ongoing rebuild the team has been going through that has produced star shooting guard Devin Booker and blue-chip prospect Josh Jackson. The extension also removes a lot of pressure on McDonough to make a “win now” move and compromise the rebuild, as Phoenix has been rumored as a possible trade partner with the Cavaliers to help them secure either Paul George or Jimmy Butler by taking on power forward Kevin Love.
For Jones, this marks the end of a very long and successful NBA career. The wingman has made stops with the Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Cavs, and even the Suns. The former NBA three-point champion will learn the ropes of an NBA front office by working with and reporting to McDonough on all basketball-related matters, including the draft, free agency, and trades.
Phoenix is being patient with their rebuild and ownership repaid McDonough for his hard work throughout his time with the organization with an extension. Jones has reached the NBA Finals seven straight times in the last seven seasons, so perhaps he can bring some good luck to the organization.
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