Suns plan to launch new G League affiliate

The Suns are planning to have a G League affiliate, possibly by the 2024-25 season, writes Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Once the Trail Blazers launch their G League team this fall, Phoenix will be the only NBA franchise without a direct affiliate in the league. The Suns used to operate a team in Northern Arizona, but former owner Robert Sarver sold it to the Pistons in 2020.

“Bringing a G League team to the Valley has been a priority for us, and I am excited that we have begun the process and the wheels are in motion to have a team in Phoenix as early as the 2024-25 season,” owner Mat Ishbia announced. “Not only will this allow us to develop young players within our winning culture, but also will serve as an opportunity to expand our reach and connect with even more basketball fans across the region. This investment further strengthens our connection with the community and continues to elevate Phoenix as the epicenter of basketball.”

The new franchise will be located somewhere in the Phoenix area, sources tell Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. During their four seasons in operation, the Northern Arizona Suns played in Prescott Valley, which is about 90 minutes away from Phoenix.

There are several criteria an NBA team has to meet to acquire a G League affiliate, Rankin adds, including having a lease agreement with an arena that complies with league standards. Those standards involve having enough locker rooms, approved ceiling clearance and available dates for 24 regular-season home games. The G League doesn’t designate a minimum number of seats for its arenas.

Before they can begin their new franchise, the Suns will have to hire coaches, staff members, a team president and a general manager.

Without a direct affiliate, any Phoenix players who get sent to the G League are assigned to a team. That affects control of how the players are used and removes the potential benefit of developing them in a system that’s similar the one that the Suns operate.

Ishbia teased the announcement Monday during an appearance on the Burns and Gambo radio show, per Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports.

“We believe in developing young players,” Ishbia told the hosts. “… In the very near future, hopefully we’ll be able to announce a different strategy on that.”

Olson notes that the Suns have rarely sent their two-way players to the G League since selling the Northern Arizona franchise.