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The future of James Jones was uncertain when Mat Ishbia assumed ownership of the Phoenix Suns in February.

On of Ishbia’s first big personnel moves was hiring Josh Bartelstein to oversee both business and basketball for the franchise, placing someone ahead of Jones on the org chart.

But Jones has embraced the challenge and retains strong influence, which has left him energized, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

“Josh was hired as the CEO and I wanted him to come in and lead as the CEO,” Jones said. “Mat became the owner and I was ready for him to come in and set the direction as owner. We had been in limbo for far too long.”

Jones was a driving force in the decision to fire Monty Williams, sources tell Windhorst.