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
There are numerous connections between Michigan State basketball and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the biggest of which is former walk-on Mat Ishbia buying the franchise in 2023. Now, those connections are growing stronger.
The Suns moved on from James Jones, who had been the team’s general manager since 2019, and they are promoting a former Tom Izzo and Jud Heathcote assistant into the position. Brian Gregory will assume the role of general manager; his previous role was a team vice president.
Gregory gained his start in collegiate coaching under Heathcote, spending time on the Spartans bench from 1990-1996 before returning to Izzo’s bench from 1999-2003, During the latter period, he coached Ishbia. He spent 2003-2023 as a collegiate head coach, spending time with Dayton, Georgia Tech and South Florida.
Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, Gregory was hired by the Suns as the vice president of player programming. After one season in that role, he becomes the team’s general manager.
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