Bronny James working out with Suns, 22nd overall pick in NBA Draft: Sources

The Phoenix Suns will hold a workout with Bronny James ahead of next month’s NBA Draft, league sources said Friday.

Phoenix has the No. 22 pick and James is among several players being considered. James has received more than 10 invitations to work out, but is expected to visit a few teams, including the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA Draft takes place June 26-27.

Sources say the Phoenix Suns will hold a workout with Bronny James ahead of June’s NBA Draft. Phoenix has the No. 22 pick and is among several players under consideration. Bronny has more than 10 workout invitations but is expected to visit a few teams, including the Lakers and Suns. pic.twitter.com/3s7ElKRe0P

– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2024

James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, will remain in the NBA draft after one season at USC. The younger James, who suffered a cardiac arrest last July before returning to the court for his rookie season, has been given full clearance to play by the Fitness Committee to play in the NBA.

In a recent interview, Rich Paul – LeBron and Bronny’s agent – told Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes that Bronny He will not sign a two-way contract Get out of the draft.

“Yes, that’s absolutely true,” Paul said when asked about the bilateral deal. “Teams know that. I didn’t do it.”

Although he is not considered a top prospect, James is not included on the list The athletePost-Lottery Mock Draft His title and trip to the court after a serious health scare make him one of the most popular players in this year’s draft class.

There is also added curiosity about whether James and his father could become teammates. LeBron expressed his desire to end his career playing alongside his son.

James participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, standing at 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes but with a wingspan of 6-7 1/4. He recorded the sixth best vertical jump and tied for the eleventh best vertical place.

While at home in Chicago, he said his goal was just to make it to the league.

“My dream has always been to write my name, make a name for myself, and of course make it to the NBA,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal for everyone here. I never thought about playing with my dad, but of course he brought it up a few times.”

The Suns, led by the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, won 49-33 this season, then were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

What do the Suns need at No. 22?

The Suns this week announced their G-League name — the Valley Suns — and the venue they will play next season — Mullett Arena, a hockey arena at Arizona State University. After the announcement, Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein took questions from a small group of reporters as general manager James Jones stopped by.

“Do you want to answer any questions, James?” Bartelstein said.

“No, I like it,” Jones answered, quickening his pace.

“Who would you take with the 22nd pick?” Bartelstein said. “And will they play here?”

Everyone laughed.

Since the end of the disappointing season, Phoenix’s offseason plan, especially with the draft, has become a daily conversation. With the 22nd pick, the cash-strapped Suns need a player who can contribute right away. Maybe this isn’t James. He can play and develop at Mullett Arena, just a few miles from where the Suns play in downtown Phoenix. But that won’t help the Suns, built on the star power of Booker, Durant and Beal, move immediately closer to a title. Their window won’t stay open forever. Some believe it has already been closed.

Of course, there’s the LeBron factor. Could recruiting James help the Suns lure LeBron to the desert on a minimum contract? Probably not. But if you’re Jones and owner Matt Ishbia, it can’t hurt to explore. — Doug Haller is a senior writer at Arizona State

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(Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)