Isiah Thomas might have some say in what happens with the Phoenix Suns, even if the team claims otherwise.
Following Sunday’s blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul from Phoenix to the Washington Wizards as part of the package for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, Paul spoke with Sopan Deb of the New York Times about his reaction to the trade.
During the conversation, which NBA insider Marc Stein posted on Twitter, Paul twice made reference to wanting to stay with the Suns but “Mat and Isiah” having different ideas.
Mat is Mat Ishbia, Phoenix’s new owner, and Isiah is the Hall of Fame point guard who Ishbia has insisted doesn’t have a role within the organization.
In this interview with my former @NYTSports colleague @SopanDeb, outgoing Suns guard Chris Paul refers twice to “Mat and Isiah” … meaning Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas, who Ishbia has publicly denied has a role with the team but appears to lean on heavily. https://t.co/jcmUIrL4GK
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2023
So, who is telling the truth here? The existence and scope of Thomas’ role with the Suns has been up for debate for a while now.
It certainly sounds like he has some involvement though, or at least is perceived to have it by players like Paul.