The Phoenix Suns plan to work out with Bronny James ahead of next month’s NBA draft, league sources said Friday.
Phoenix has the 22nd pick and James is one of the candidates. James has been invited to more than 10 workouts but is expected to only visit a few teams, including the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA draft will be held on June 26-27.
The Phoenix Suns are planning to work out with Bronny James ahead of the NBA Draft in June, according to a source. Phoenix has the 22nd pick and he is one of the candidates. Bronny has received workout invitations from more than 10 teams, but is expected to only visit a few teams, including the Lakers and Suns. pic.twitter.com/3s7ElKRe0P
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2024
The son of NBA superstar LeBron James, James plans to remain in the NBA draft after one season at the University of Southern California. His younger brother, who went into cardiac arrest last July and returned to the court for his freshman season, has been cleared fully to play by the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play panel.
In a recent interview, Rich Paul, LeBron and Bronny’s agent, told Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes that Bronny Do not sign two-way contracts Coming out of the draft.
“Yes, that’s absolutely true,” Paul said when asked about a two-way trade. “Teams know that. I wouldn’t do that.”
James wasn’t considered a top prospect, but AthleticMock draft after the lottery. His last name and the story of how he returned to the court after a serious health scare make him one of the most intriguing players in this year’s draft pool.
Additionally, it will be interesting to see if James and his father could ever become teammates, with LeBron making it clear he wants to end his career playing alongside his son.
James participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, measuring 6’1.5″ tall without shoes and 6’7.5″ with an arms span of 6’1.5″. He was sixth in maximum vertical jump and tied for 11th in vertical leap.
During the combine in Chicago, he said his only goal was to make it into the league.
“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and, of course, go to the NBA,” he said. “That’s the end goal of everybody here. I never thought about playing with my dad, but of course he’s mentioned it a few times.”
Led by the Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns went 49-33 this season and were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
What do the Suns need at No. 22?
The Suns announced this week that their G League team will be called the Valley Suns and will play next season at Mallett Arena, Arizona State University’s hockey facility. After the announcement, Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein answered questions from a small group of reporters, and general manager James Jones walked by.
“Do you want to answer any questions, James?” Bartelstein said.
“No, I love it,” Jones replied, quickening his pace.
“Who are you going to take with the 22nd pick,” Bartelstein said, “and are they going to play here?”
Everyone laughed.
Phoenix’s offseason plans, especially the draft, have been a topic of conversation almost daily since the end of a disappointing season. With the 22nd pick, the Suns need a player who can contribute right away, as the financially strapped Suns are in need of one. It probably won’t be James. He could play and thrive at Mallet Arena, a few miles from where the Suns play in downtown Phoenix. But a team built around stars in Booker, Durant and Beal won’t help the Suns get closer to winning a title anytime soon. Their window won’t be open forever. Some believe it’s already closed.
Of course, there’s the LeBron factor. Could the Suns, by drafting James, lure LeBron out to the desert on a minimum contract? Probably not. But Jones and owner Matt Ishbia wouldn’t hurt to explore. By Doug Haller, Arizona Senior Writer
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(Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
