Chris Paul responded to the decision by the Phoenix Suns to trade him in a package for Bradley Beal in an interview with the New York Times.

Paul repeatedly referenced how Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas wanted to go in a different direction.

Ishbia said in February that Thomas doesn't have an official role with the Suns. 

"It’s just — it’s tough," Paul told Sopan Deb. "Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. No matter how you are with them or what you do, you realize that in this business, nobody owes you anything, as it should be.

"But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat and Isiah, I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction."

Paul had just been in touch with James Jones, which makes the timing of the trade surprising to him.

"I showed my phone to my wife. Because, I mean, I had talked to James Jones yesterday or whatnot."

Paul joined the Suns in 2020 and re-signed in 2021 after they reached The Finals. Paul was asked to describe his feelings toward the Suns at this moment.

"Like I said, Mat and Isiah, they want to go in a different direction," said Paul. "But my time there has been amazing. You know what I mean? It’s been great. And so, get back to work."