Matt Tellem is set to join the Suns as the assistant general manager, which means James Jones has lost a key contact in Brooklyn.
The Phoenix Suns, gearing up for a transformative offseason, recently hired Mike Budenholzer as their head coach and are finalizing their coaching staff to maximize the team’s talent. Simultaneously, Mat Ishbia is restructuring the front office.
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The Brooklyn Nets, a frequent trade partner with the Suns, are also undergoing changes. Brooklyn recently appointed Jordi Fernandez and revamped their front office. Jeff Peterson, the assistant GM for the past four seasons, moved to the Charlotte Hornets as the president of basketball operations, followed by Ryan Gisriel, their executive director of basketball operations.
Now, Matt Tellem, the Nets’ vice president of strategy and former assistant general manager, is also leaving.
Tellem, known for his expertise in salary cap management, is the son of Arn Tellem, a veteran agent and current executive for the Detroit Pistons, highlighting another Michigan connection with Mat Ishbia.
Phoenix and Brooklyn have had a history of trades since James Jones joined the Suns in 2018, executing four significant trades:
2018:Phoenix sent Jared Dudley and a 2021 second-round pick to Brooklyn for Darrell Arthur and a protected second-rounder.
2021: Phoenix traded Jevon Carter and their 2021 first-round pick for Landry Shamet.
2023: The Suns acquired Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, and five first-round picks.
2024: At the trade deadline, Phoenix traded Chimezie Metu, Yuta Watanabe, Jordan Goodwin, and Keita Bates-Diop to Brooklyn, with the Memphis Grizzlies involved to facilitate the trade, resulting in the Suns getting David Roddy and Royce O’Neale.
With Tellem moving to Phoenix, James Jones loses a key connection in Brooklyn. However, given the current state of roster construction and upcoming salary cap restrictions, having Tellem’s cap strategy expertise directly in Phoenix could be more beneficial. As the second apron restrictions become more stringent starting with the 2024-25 season, Tellem’s skills in navigating complex deals will be invaluable for the Suns.