Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Five lingering Suns questions that need answers post trade deadline

By Dallin Funk

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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What impact will James Jones have on free agency?

PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 21: James Jones of the Phoenix Suns arrives at the arena before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 21, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 21: James Jones of the Phoenix Suns arrives at the arena before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 21, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

During his tenure as the Phoenix Suns General Manager, Ryan McDonough has developed a not so stellar reputation with veteran players and their agents. Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, the Morris twins, and Isaiah Thomas didn’t exactly leave with glowing reviews of the organization. Certainly, the front office is not completely at fault for each situation. The Morris twins were a downright cancer and Bledsoe essentially demanded a trade on social media with his, “I don’t wanna be here” tweet. Still, deserved or not, these situations have left a stain on the organization.

So, in the summer of 2017, the Phoenix Suns hired 3-time NBA champ, James Jones as Vice President of Basketball Operations. Jones played 14 years in the NBA and served as secretary-treasurer of the NBA players association. Jones is widely respected throughout the league and was certainly hired to help mend the organizations’ reputation with players across the NBA.

When free agents visit the Phoenix Suns this summer, they’ll see a face in the room that they can trust. I definitely think that the hire of Jones will have an impact on upcoming free agents that might not have made a visit to Phoenix otherwise. The question is, will it be enough to get these players to actually sign? Time will tell, but it’s a step in the right direction for an organization that is trying to regain the trust of players and agents alike.

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