Suns GM James Jones dispels rumors about transfer of Kevin Durant in NBA Draft

James Jones, president of basketball operations and general manager of the Phoenix Suns, once again put an end to rumors about a transfer of Kevin Durant on Wednesday evening.

Although coverage of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft demanded an explanation for 28th pick Ryan Dunn – and rightly so – mentioning the rumors of a Durant transfer was of course part of Jones’ Zoom meeting with reporters.

Earlier Wednesday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that the Suns “want to get rid of Kevin Durant immediately.”

Jones reiterated franchise owner Mat Ishbia’s stance that the real NBA All-Star isn’t going anywhere.

“I think I specifically said it on May 19 when I was asked, ‘Are we trading Kevin Durant?'” Jones said Wednesday night. “I said no then, I say no now … but that’s what the NBA does and the draft and everything around it, the offseason, is what makes it interesting for the fans, so I get it.”

Jones also spoke at length about his growing relationship with Durant.

“It’s all love,” Jones said. “It’s all good. To have the chance to work with one of the best players of all time and the success we’re going to have in the future, that’s what you live for.”

With damage control complete and backlogs cleared, Jones was able to answer questions about the challenges ahead in this year’s NBA Draft.

The Suns traded down from their original 22nd spot and received the 28th pick from the Denver Nuggets, as well as Thursday’s 56th selection and future second-round picks for 2026 and 2031.

Jones told media representatives that Dunn will have the opportunity to develop his shooting technique, as he was used primarily on defense in Virginia. The GM also expressed his confidence in the winger, who will influence the outcome in several ways.

“I know how much he (Dunn) wanted to be in Phoenix,” Jones said. “He saw the fit and, most importantly, he was persistent. His desire, first and foremost, is to become an elite defender in this league and we can really capitalize on that.”

In two college seasons with the Cavaliers, Dunn averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists, along with 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals.