Could James Jones be pulling Phoenix Suns fan’s chains again?

Phoenix Suns fans want at least one, big and splashy move this offseason, yet the franchise has been rarely attached to such rumors to date. Could that be all part of James Jones’ plan?

Leading up to his first draft as General Manager of the Phoenix Suns, James Jones had said repeatedly that he was happy with drafting at sixth overall, then later that he did not expect to make any trades, both of which made it seem like draft night was going to be a boring one, if not entirely disappointing.

And then he surprised us (pleasantly, I might add) transforming into the most active general manager in the league.

He (apparently) got everything he wanted that night in the three trades that he made, so could be on the prowl at the start of free agency to get more of what he wants during the offseason?

With recent rumors that the Suns are once again going to play it safe and are primarily interested in B-level players, mainly blah point guards like Terry Rozier, Corey Joseph, Patrick Beverley, Darren Collison and the like, guys who would be nice as role players on good teams but nobody who would help Phoenix take that a large step forward this coming season, is James Jones pulling our proverbial and collective chain’s once again?

I think it is possible, and for one specific reason: after moving both T.J. Warren and their second round pick, as well as next year’s protected Milwaukee fist, he could very well be trying desperately to preserve assets

The move of Warren the way it went down in and of itself does not mean that Jones had a secret plan up his sleeve in regards to a player like D’Angelo Russell – the preferred primary target for most Phoenix Suns fans; and maybe even Devin Booker as well.

Although it sure felt like it at the time.

However, let’s say that Russell is the primary target, but that everyone knew that Phoenix was all in on him. They would then know that the Suns do not have the cap space to add him in one fell swoop (without Kelly Oubre‘s cap hold, Phoenix is still about $3 million short) and would most notably need to move Tyler Johnson‘s contract.

If that were the case, who is going to take on a $19+ million contract for nothing?

Possibly nobody, so what else would the Suns have to give up to sweeten the pot – probably future picks.

Is that worth it?

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Maybe, but there is still a chance that Johnson can be moved in a clean deal.

Imagine if the New York Knicks (who too believe themselves to be in on the D’Angelo sweepstakes) realize very quickly at the start of free agent season that they are going to strike out on all of their top preferences and and need to pivot towards filling out the roster, not just acquiring star players.

They are already rumored to be leaning in that direction anyway and are seeking one-year contracts to still put forth a full team setting themselves up to make another run at major free agents or upset stars demanding out of their current situation next summer.

New York may approach James Jones with the initial offering of acquiring Tyler in a clean slate deal ala T.J. Warren to the Indiana Pacers (although in that case Phoenix did attach a second round pick with it), whereas if Jones contacted the Knicks, they may only accept a deal with a sweetener attached.

While Jones could certainly still move Johnson’s contract fairly simply if he is willing to attach something or someone valuable in the deal, although if you are him, wouldn’t you prefer to retain, say, next year’s first round pick at all costs in case Russell’s acquisition doesn’t pay off and they are in the lottery again?

Or they the Suns do make an improvement but need another piece, they can use that pick in a future trade?

If James Jones does not have to, and this current situation of “we love only so-so point guards” is an attempted deke of every NBA executive with the hopes of getting the right deal before making this summer his own again, the roster will be better off for it, and all of the angst and depressed wonderment at how infrequently Phoenix has been rumored in big splashy deals and/or signings, might well have been all worth it.