Sports

LeBron James, Bronny James speculation continues for Phoenix Suns ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

The speculation surrounding Bronny James, LeBron James and the Phoenix Suns continues to swirl as the 2024 NBA Draft draws closer.

Could the Suns potentially draft Bronny James and then sign LeBron James to a veteran minimum deal to play for Phoenix?

While it has to be considered a long shot, several NBA writers evidently believe that it is not impossible, based on recent stories they have written about LeBron James potentially teaming up with Bronny James, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in Arizona.

Check out some of the latest chatter surrounding the potential scenario with the Phoenix Suns. The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26 and June 27.

Bronny James:Phoenix Suns’ 2024 NBA Draft speculation includes surprising player

The Ringer: ‘Buzz’ growing for LeBron James to Phoenix Suns

Bill Simmons said on his podcast: “There’s a lot of Phoenix buzz right now; I’m just going to say it. And I don’t know if it’s real or not. I think Bronny is going to go in the first round because I think … I think that’s going to be encouraged.”

He continued: “Encouraged in a way like, ‘if this happens, then this will happen. (Suns owner) Mat Ishbia has the same media strategist that LeBron and his camp has, Adam Mendelsohn. That makes me a little suspicious.”

He added: “(Klutch Sports) seem really confident that he is getting drafted in the first round. And if you’re Mat Ishbia and the draft sucks, and it’s like let’s get Bronny, and they’re telling us that if we take Bronny, there’s a chance that we can get LeBron too, you have to think about it. I don’t know how many more years LeBron has left, it’s one it’s two, it’s three; whatever he was an All-NBA guy last year… you’ve gotta explore it.”

Sports Illustrated: Money the big question in LeBron James speculation with Suns

Kevin Hicks writes: “There have been some whispers that LeBron could be willing to listen to various teams if he were to opt out of his final season of the deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns would be an enticing squad for James to join, as he would gain an instantly stronger roster, more stability at head coach, and a city that is an hour flight away from his family in L.A. The ultimate factor that makes it unlikely is that the elder James would have to accept the veteran minimum of just under $3 million for the upcoming season. It just doesn’t make sense for him to sacrifice that much money.”

Bleacher Report: Phoenix Suns ‘desperate enough’ to draft Bronny James

Zach Buckley writes: “The Phoenix Suns are functionally stuck: Over the second apron, lacking control on almost all of their future draft picks and coming up short on both the mid-sized salaries and sweeteners needed to trade for reliable role players. Phoenix, for what it’s worth, seems content with its position. And there are worse fates than being tied to a roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Still, the Suns, who need to win big right now to justify the investment in this group, are coming off a 33-loss season and first-round exit. This roster might need reinforcing, it will just be incredibly difficult to do so. Unless, of course, LeBron would be open to signing for dirt cheap for the chance to play with his son. It’s a possibility he hasn’t previously ruled out.  Anyone who isn’t worried about money should immediately wind up on the Suns’ radar, and the possibility of LeBron joining forces with Durant (not to mention Booker and Beal) sounds like basketball brilliance. Bronny could even make his mark as a perimeter stopper early on, and given Phoenix’s general lack of youth, it could be more committed to his long-term development than most teams. Spending the No. 22 pick on the younger James is unrealistic, but the Suns could look to move back 10 or 15 spots to scoop him up and add something to their effectively nonexistent asset collection.”

Sports Illustrated: LeBron James-Bronny James smoke could be fire for Phoenix Suns

Kevin Hicks writes: “At the end of the day, it appears the Suns’ interest in Bronny is based on one of two things – either the franchise is attempting a historical heist behind the backdrop of a father-son duo or the front office is simply looking to repair a fractured relationship with Klutch Sports that has been an issue for several years now. Bronny James could be especially useful in the future under the wings of a strong organization with what should be coaches that are well-equipped to develop up-and-coming prospects – he could be a worthy selection in the mid-second, even without a package deal with his father.”

TWSN.com: LeBron James will join the Phoenix Suns in 2024 NBA free agency

That headline above is the actual headline on the story, written by Marissa Myers. She writes: “The Suns at 22nd overall in the NBA Draft are in an ideal position to draft Bronny James. In getting Bronny James, it has been well known that LeBron James wants to play with his son, and with Phoenix needing future guard help it would present a win-win opportunity. The Suns know they are a player away from a championship, and that player will be LeBron James. For James, this is the best opportunity to win another championship with proven players that don’t have a learning curve to go through with experience. Making this ideal for both sides.”

Bleacher Report: Bronny James limiting 2024 NBA Draft exposure, prefers Lakers or Suns

Jack Murray writes: “James limiting his exposure may make it more likely that he winds up with a team he prefers, but it also makes him run the risk of going undrafted. He was mocked to go to the Lakers with the No. 55 pick by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, and it has been reported that the Lakers are not considering James with the No. 17 pick. The Lakers and Suns have a combined three picks in the 2024 Draft, and only the Lakers have a pick in the second round. While Phoenix could elect to take James with the No. 22 pick, that would be quite the swing from his current projections. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for USC in 2023-24, but did have his season delayed by a cardiac arrest event in the Summer.”

Bleacher Report: Bronny James limiting 2024 NBA Draft exposure, prefers Lakers or Suns

Jack Murray writes: “James limiting his exposure may make it more likely that he winds up with a team he prefers, but it also makes him run the risk of going undrafted. He was mocked to go to the Lakers with the No. 55 pick by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, and it has been reported that the Lakers are not considering James with the No. 17 pick. The Lakers and Suns have a combined three picks in the 2024 Draft, and only the Lakers have a pick in the second round. While Phoenix could elect to take James with the No. 22 pick, that would be quite the swing from his current projections. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for USC in 2023-24, but did have his season delayed by a cardiac arrest event in the Summer.”

Sports Illustrated: Will Suns target LeBron James?

Kevin Hicks writes: “The general expectation around the NBA is that James will decline his player option for the 2024-25 season and enter free agency. While the belief is he will re-sign with the Lakers on a short-term deal, he could listen to overtures from other franchises. The Philadelphia 76ers would have maximum-level money to offer him, but going back to the east coast could be out of the question. Enter the Suns, who could only offer him a veteran’s minimum, but would have the advantage of being closely located to his family in L.A., playing with star players in which he’s expressed great respect for in the past, and the possibility that the franchise could draft his son. LeBron could ultimately entertain the Suns’ pursuit, but this feels like a pipe dream at the end of the day.”

Essentially Sports: Phoenix Suns could force Los Angeles Lakers’ hand in 2024 NBA Draft

It writes: “This unexpected media manipulation can force the Lakers to draft Bronny at 17 instead of (Zach) Edey or any other player. It is no wonder that the Suns will be on the lookout for Bronny, standing dangerously close to the Lakers in the first round. This comes with the fact that Bronny’s arrival would possibly initiate LeBron’s move out to Phoenix. With the given possibilities, the Lakers will give their all in drafting Bronny. On the other hand, if they fail to pick the teen, James will consider leaving LA. There are a lot of reasons to back this, with LeBron sharing his desire to play with his son a few years ago. The King has won four titles, and if there’s anything he would love to accomplish more than a fifth ring would be to play alongside Bronny.”

Sports Illustrated: Will Suns target LeBron James?

Kevin Hicks writes: “The general expectation around the NBA is that James will decline his player option for the 2024-25 season and enter free agency. While the belief is he will re-sign with the Lakers on a short-term deal, he could listen to overtures from other franchises. The Philadelphia 76ers would have maximum-level money to offer him, but going back to the east coast could be out of the question. Enter the Suns, who could only offer him a veteran’s minimum, but would have the advantage of being closely located to his family in L.A., playing with star players in which he’s expressed great respect for in the past, and the possibility that the franchise could draft his son. LeBron could ultimately entertain the Suns’ pursuit, but this feels like a pipe dream at the end of the day.”

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