PHOENIX (AP) — In a whirlwind of change under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, the Phoenix Suns are undergoing a dramatic transformation in their quest for an NBA championship.
No one, not even the esteemed 12-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul, appears to be safe from Ishbia’s aggressive approach.
In another bold move overseen by the new owner, the Suns recently initiated a trade framework that would send Paul, along with Landry Shamet and additional compensation, to the Washington Wizards. In return, they would acquire the three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
Paul, who made an appearance on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ to promote his new book, expressed his surprise at the development, just like everyone else.
“I was surprised too,” Paul admitted. “I found out about it yesterday while I was on the plane, flying here for this. Anything can happen in this league, so you just have to adapt to what comes next.”
According to Paul, he learned about the trade through a text message from his 14-year-old son. He also mentioned his belief that Isiah Thomas, the former point guard of the Detroit Pistons and a friend of Ishbia, played a role in the deal. However, Ishbia has clarified that Thomas has no official role within the franchise.
“It’s a tough situation,” Paul expressed. “Honestly, it’s just part of the business, and you come to realize that nobody owes you anything. No matter how you’ve been with them or what you’ve accomplished, you understand that in this industry, nobody owes you anything, and that’s how it should be.”
“When the news came through and my son texted me, I realized that Mat and Isiah, I suppose, wanted to take a different direction,” Paul reflected.
Paul arrived in Phoenix in 2020, instantly bringing credibility to a Suns team that had struggled for many years. The addition of the point guard alongside Devin Booker created a formidable backcourt, and the Suns came tantalizingly close to capturing a championship. They won the first two games of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, only to lose the subsequent four games.
In the past two regular seasons, the Suns showcased their strength but experienced consecutive disappointing playoff eliminations on their home court. These setbacks seemed to have compelled Ishbia to believe that significant changes were necessary.
Since assuming control of the team from the embattled Robert Sarver in February, Ishbia has demonstrated a bold approach to making impactful moves. Even before the recent playoff exit, the Suns orchestrated a major trade deadline deal, acquiring the impressive 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, they sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and a collection of first-round draft picks to the Nets. Ishbia’s willingness to make substantial changes was evident even prior to the team’s postseason struggles.
Following the failed championship bid, Ishbia continued his extensive restructuring of the Suns. The first significant move was the dismissal of coach Monty Williams, who had been named the NBA’s Coach of the Year in 2022. In his place, the team brought in Frank Vogel, the coach who led the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship in the 2020 Florida bubble. The team also decided to part ways with 38-year-old Chris Paul, opting to bring in Bradley Beal, an accomplished scorer with a career average of over 22 points per game over 11 seasons.
The Suns’ roster now boasts an impressive core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton. However, there is a lack of supporting talent surrounding this group. With the quartet set to earn approximately $150 million next season, the Suns will need to be resourceful in their attempts to acquire quality role players.
Alternatively, another possibility for the Suns is trading Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, who has had inconsistent performances during his five seasons with the franchise. Despite Ayton’s underwhelming playoff showing this year, potential suitors for an Ayton trade are not readily apparent.
Nevertheless, with Ishbia now at the helm, nothing seems out of reach. The former Michigan State walk-on basketball player, who was part of the Spartans’ championship team in 2000, has made it clear that no one within the organization is untouchable as he relentlessly pursues a title.
“I want to think big,” Ishbia emphasized back in February, highlighting his ambitious vision for the Suns.
