Suns Name New General Manager While Still Searching for Head Coach

James Jones, the GM since 2019, will remain with the organization in a new role.

Former South Florida Bulls head coach Brian Gregory shouts from the sideline during a game. / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Weeks after the Phoenix Suns fired coach Mike Budenholzer following one season, the team has decided to promote vice president Brian Gregory to the role of general manager, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Thursday.

Gregory was hired by the Suns franchise in June 2024, marking his first time working in an NBA front office after finishing his college basketball coaching career in 2023.

James Jones, who's served as the Suns' general manager since 2019, will remain with the organization, but instead work as a senior advisor for the Suns.

The Phoenix Suns are naming a new head of basketball operations, promoting vice president Brian Gregory as the franchise’s new general manager, sources tell ESPN. James Jones, the Suns GM since 2019, will transition to a role as senior advisor for the franchise. pic.twitter.com/UDaxercJIg

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 1, 2025

Gregory will have a few big tasks at hand this offseason, starting with finding the Suns a new head coach. Whoever the organization chooses will be the fourth head coach for the Suns in four years.

There's also been a lot of speculation that Kevin Durant could be traded this offseason. Gregory will have to figure out Durant's situation while potentially rebuilding the team for the 2025-26 season.

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