NBA Rumors: Bronny James To Have Workout With Superstar-Laden Team

Bronny James, despite an underwhelming year at USC, is getting set for the NBA Draft next month, and is expected to go sometime in the second round. Nevertheless, he is choosing to work out in advance for only a "handful" of teams according to insider Shams Charania, and one of them is the Phoenix Suns.

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

The Suns have the 22nd pick in the first round, and, per Charania, he is "among several players in consideration." This would be considered a reach, at least 10 spots higher than he is projected.

For a player who went into last season coming off a cardiac arrest episode in the summer, and had a very unremarkable one year in college, the son of LeBron James is making a lot of bold declarations heading into the Draft. In addition to only working out for a few teams, his agent, Rich Paul, has made it clear that he will not be signing a two-way contract with any team that drafts him. It's full-time NBA or bust.

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

Bronny James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 boards and 2.1 assists in 19 minutes per game with the USC Trojans in his one and only college year.

At the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, he measured in at 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes (7.5 inches shorter than Dad), but did display an impressive 6-foot-7 1/4 wingspan. In addition, his leaping ability was notable as he posted the sixth-best max vertical leap and tied for the 11th-best standing vertical.

Despite all that, he is not a top draft prospect. The Suns do need a player who can contribute off the bench at No. 22, and Bronny isn't likely able to fill that role. But is Bronny more interested in playing with Kevin Durant than his Dad? Certainly, his famous father's presence looms over all decisions involving him.

LeBron has said he wants to play with his son before he retires, so any team drafting him might feel that the older James might want to come on board. (It should be noted that Bronny has never offered the same proclamation about wanting to play with his Dad in the NBA).

Bronny's camp is indicating that he is willing to have a workout with LeBron's LA Lakers, among the few teams he'll grace his presence with.

The NBA Draft is June 26-27.