Suns promote Gregory to GM as Jones moves to advisory role

The Phoenix Suns promoted vice president Brian Gregory to general manager, the franchise announced Thursday.

James Jones will transition to a role as senior adviser. He had been the team's full-time general manager since 2019 after serving as director of player personnel and interim general manager for the 2018-19 campaign.

"Brian has been a valuable member of our front office, playing an integral role in drafting and developing our young players," Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. "I am excited for him to step in to the role of general manager. He is a brilliant basketball mind, and he will transform and elevate our team."

Gregory originally served as vice president of player programming, overseeing personnel decisions. He helped select forward Ryan Dunn and big man Oso Ighodaro in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The 58-year-old had been a head coach at Dayton, Georgia Tech, and South Florida before joining the Suns in 2023. He led the Flyers to two March Madness appearances and the 2010 NIT championship.

He was also an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1999-2003, overlapping with Ishbia's tenure on the team. Gregory and Ishbia won a national championship together in 2000.

Gregory will report directly to Ishbia, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein will remain in his position.

Jones won Executive of the Year for the 2020-21 season, and the Suns went on to reach the 2021 Finals.

"James' contributions have been instrumental to our organization, and we appreciate everything he has done for the Suns on and off the court," Ishbia said. "We are grateful to continue to have his experience and insight."

The Suns finished 2024-25 with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Phoenix fired Mike Budenholzer in April and will now hire its fourth coach in as many seasons.