As Chris Paul heads out the door in Phoenix, the 12-time NBA All-Star made a point to mention Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas twice when speaking on the team’s decision to trade him.
In an interview with Sopan Deb of the New York Times, Paul eluded to Suns owner Matt Ishbia and Thomas wanting to go in a different direction. And while Ishbia has publicly denied Isiah having a role with the team, the belief around the league is that the 43-year-old CEO leans on him heavily.
Paul citing Isiah Thomas as a reason he was moved is interesting, since Ishbia told reporters in February that Thomas has no role with the team.
— Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) June 19, 2023
Fans reacted to Paul’s comments on social media Monday.
“CP, in this NYT interview, revealing Isiah Thomas’ influence in the Suns organization,” shared Chris Mannix.
CP, in this NYT interview, revealing Isiah Thomas’s influence in the Suns organization. https://t.co/zpUEPgs1kJ
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 19, 2023
“Isiah Thomas is Suns shadow GM as previously reported – this is further confirmation of that. CP3 mentioning him as a reason he was traded,” a user replied.
Isiah Thomas is suns shadow GM as previously reported – this is further confirmation of that. CP3 mentioning him as a reason he was traded https://t.co/rjqG0QOXTE
— Brooklynsbeat (@brooklynsbeat) June 19, 2023
“Isiah Thomas,” laughed Robert Silverman. “The Suns are screwed. And Ishbia, what’s the word I’m looking for, lied when he denied a while back that Thomas had a role in the FO.”
*Isiah Thomas* lol the suns are screwed. And Ishbia, what’s the word I’m looking for, lied when he denied a while back that Thomas had a role in the FO https://t.co/PcVIMeFvIy
— Robert Silverman (@BobSaietta) June 19, 2023
“I’m just glad the Isiah Thomas redemption arc isn’t happening in New York,” said Bhaskar Sunkara.
I’m just glad the Isiah Thomas redemption arc isn’t happening in New York. https://t.co/miA68XWFAF
— Bhaskar Sunkara (@sunraysunray) June 19, 2023
Very interesting.