Bronny James to work out with Suns, holders of No. 22 pick in NBA Draft: Sources

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Phoenix Suns will conduct 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 in consideration. James has over 10 workout invitations but is expected to only visit a few teams, including the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA Draft takes place June 26-27.

The Phoenix Suns will conduct a workout with Bronny James ahead of the June NBA Draft, sources say. Phoenix has the 22nd pick and he is among several players in consideration. Bronny has over 10 workout invites but is expected to only visit a few teams, including Lakers and Suns. pic.twitter.com/3s7ElKRe0P

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2024

James, the son of NBA superstar 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 freshman season, has been fully cleared 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 wouldn’t sign a two-way contract coming out of the draft.

“Yes, that’s absolutely true,” Paul said when asked about the two-way deal. “Teams know that. I’m not doing that.”

While not considered a top prospect — James was not included in The Athletic’s post-lottery mock draft — his surname and journey back to the court following a serious health scare make him one of the more notable players in this year’s draft class.

There’s also the added intrigue of whether James and his father could become teammates. LeBron has expressed a desire to end his career playing alongside his son.

James participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, measured in at 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes but with a 6-7 1/4 wingspan. He posted the sixth-best max vertical leap and tied for the 11th-best standing vertical.

While at the combine in Chicago, he said his goal has been just to get to the league.

“My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and, of course, get to the NBA,” he said. “Which is what everyone’s end goal is here. I’ve never thought about playing with my dad, but of course he’s brought it up a couple of times.”

The Suns, led by their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, went 49-33 this season and 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 where they will play next season — Mullett Arena, a hockey facility at Arizona State University. After the announcement, Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein took questions from a small group of reporters when general manager James Jones walked by.

“Want to answer any questions, James?” Bartelstein said.

“No, I love it,” Jones replied, accelerating his pace.

“Who are you taking with the 22nd pick?” Bartelstein said. “And are they going to play here?”

Everyone laughed.

Since the end of a disappointing season, Phoenix’s offseason plan, particularly with the draft, has been a daily conversation. With the 22nd pick, the financially limited Suns need a player who can contribute immediately. That’s probably not James. He could play and develop in Mullett Arena, a few miles from where the Suns play in downtown Phoenix. But that won’t help the Suns, built around the star power of Booker, Durant and Beal, get immediately closer to a title. Their window won’t stay open forever. Some think it has already closed.

Of course, there’s the LeBron factor. Is it possible drafting James could help the Suns lure LeBron to the desert on a minimum contract? Probably not. But if you’re Jones and owner Mat Ishbia, it doesn’t hurt to explore. — Doug Haller, Arizona senior writer

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(Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)