Nets’ first two games tentatively set as Opening Night against Warriors and Christmas against Celtics

When Chris Paul was traded by the Phoenix Suns in June, he implied that the decision had been made by Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas.

Thomas is a close friend of Ishbia and serves on the board of his mortgage company.

Sources tell ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that Thomas has spent time in Phoenix informally advising the front office, but his role has reduced in recent weeks. Sources add that Thomas was not part of the Beal recruitment and trade.

“As I said the day I was introduced, Isiah is a friend and has no formal role,” Ishbia said. “If that changes, we will announce it.”

Ishbia was sitting next to Thomas in the playoffs when he had his viral moment with Nikola Jokic. Thomas was also at Summer League for his broadcast duties with NBATV where he also spent time with the Phoenix front office.

Windhorst’s article mentions the active role Ishbia is taking as owner, while also emphasizing that James Jones has a settled place in the org chart.