Chris Paul caused a stir last month when he repeatedly said Isiah Thomas was involved in the Suns‘ decision to trade him for Bradley Beal, but owner Mat Ishbia says Thomas had no role in the deal.
“When decisions are made in the organization, (president of basketball operations and GM) James Jones, myself, (CEO) Josh Bartelstein, (head coach) Frank Vogel, our executive team make decisions,” Ishbia told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “Outside people don’t have any role in our decision-making process. They never have, they never will. I’ve asked for advice from a lot of people, specifically Tom Izzo, Isiah Thomas, Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell. I talk to a lot of people, but honestly, on this situation, not one of those people were consulted on this decision.”
In an Insider-only article for ESPN, Brian Windhorst takes a look at Ishbia’s active involvement in the Suns organization. Sources tell Windhorst that Thomas has spent time informally advising in Phoenix, but his unofficial role has been reduced in recent weeks after the team filled out its front office. Windhorst’s sources confirm that Thomas was not involved in the Beal/Paul trade.
Here’s more from the Pacific:
- Lakers wing Max Christie has been excelling during Summer League action, and he hopes that his work this offseason will lead to more minutes in 2023/24, which will be his second NBA season. “I just want to be in the rotation and play as much as possible,” Christie told Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “I just want to play as much basketball as I can. Last year was motivation to get to that spot. That’s really all it is. That’s my mission. That’s my goal.” The 20-year-old has put on about 15 pounds of muscle since he was drafted last year, Buha adds. In another article for The Athletic, Buha examines the Lakers’ depth chart, with Christie currently slotting in as the backup shooting guard behind Austin Reaves.
- Should the Clippers offer contract extensions to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times spoke to rival executives and an agent to solicit opinions on what path the Clippers should take with their oft-injured star duo.
- In an interview with Eurohoops.net, reigning EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov talked about his decision to sign with the Kings and being an NBA rookie at 27 years old. “It’s a dream and a potential,” the forward said as part of larger quote. “Because I’m not doing this just for living the NBA dream. In any dream, I see potential. A potential that can teach me something and evolve me. I’m not going to the USA to come back soon. I want to be tested in the NBA. I’m thinking about everything positively. I’ll start at zero. Now, the work I’ll do will be even bigger. I know what I’ve been through and how much I’ve worked. You can’t buy experience. I think the circumstances are the best.”
Chris Paul teaches the youth. Cry and complain and you will get your way
Easy no on the Kawhi Leonard, Paul George extensions.
Its almost an absurd question.
They have a lot of negative value to reclaim next season, and I’d like to see a come back, but George, and Leonard have a reputation for being unreliable, and very expensive.
Why do I believe Chris Paul here…Ishbia is a total Ringling Brother
Don’t tell me, let me guess. Your team is in the Western Conference, right? LOLOL!!!!
You crack yourself up
So the Warriors traded prime CP3 for washed CP3?
Never ever trust a cop.
What are u talking about
I believe that trade was horrible. They should try to sign Bol Bol
“Outside people don’t have any role in our decision-making process. THEY NEVER HAVE, THEY NEVER WILL.”
“I’ve asked for advice from a lot of people, specifically Tom Izzo, ISIAH THOMAS,”
Haha, this dummy literally contradicted himself.
A role in decision-making processes and being asked for advice are two VERY different things. I can ask my friends for advice on life decisions, that doesn’t mean they control my life.
Who’s the real dummy?
Haha, no it’s not. But nice try.
And to answer your question, obviously you, because you are equating having a role as controlling someone’s life. So for example, Josh Okogie is a “role” player, does that mean he controls the team?
SMH, silly peasants, you amuse me
I can tell English isn’t your primary language, so I will give you a pass on how stupid you sound.
A role player does in fact play a role on the team. That’s the point of the word and saying. Asking someone for advice does not give them a role on the team. If the Suns win a championship who gets a ring? Josh Okogie the “role” player? YEP! Isiah Thomas who might have given some advice? NOPE!
Keep stretching to try and prove your point though. It is really entertaining to watch you struggle.
If the Lakers can get something out of 1 of their young wings, that changes their outlook significantly
I also think Sacramento should potentially be really good, with some of what they did