HOFer Isiah Thomas issues 3-word response to billionaire Suns owner's $2 initiative

Isiah Thomas knows a thing or two about business, having engaged in multiple ventures after his basketball retirement. As such, the Naismith Hall of Famer was quick to respond to a fan-friendly initiative by a good friend.

On Wednesday, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia announced changes to the pricing of food options at Suns home games, introducing a $2 value menu.

"When I walk the concourse at games, there aren’t food options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money," Ishbia wrote on Instagram. "That needs to change, so today we’re rolling out our $2 value menu for all @Suns home games."

Thomas, who has held front-office positions with other NBA teams, heaped praise on the announced changes.

Isiah Thomas praises Mat Ishbia's $2 menu initiative. Image source: IG.com/matishbia

"Awesome just awesome," the two-time NBA champion said.

Isiah Thomas considers Mat Ishbia "a very close friend"

In 2021, Isiah Thomas talked about his friendship with Mat Ishbia, whom he considers to be a mentor figure in the realm of business.

"He and I are very close, and also he's one who advised me in the business space," Thomas told Kurt Nagl and Nick Manes of Crain's Detroit Business. "I've called on him quite frequently in the past to help me navigate some of our growing pains and likewise. So, we have shared advice with each other."

When Ishbia and his brother Justin bought control of the Suns and the Mercury in late 2022, there were speculations that Thomas would not be far behind. NBA insider Chris Haynes even tweeted in February 2023 that Ishbia intended for Thomas "to have a prominent role in the front office."

However, these reports were denied by Ishbia.

"A spokesperson for new #Suns team owner Mat Ishbia told The Republic Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas won't have a position in the team's front office and isn't part of the team transition," Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic tweeted, adding, "Ishbia and Thomas are friends."

After Haynes's report was refuted, some Phoenix Suns expressed their relief on social media, perhaps due to Thomas' less-than-stellar track record as an NBA executive.

"Dodging a toxic bullet right there," one netizen wrote.

"That's great news!!!" another posted.

Still, the fact that Thomas didn't land a front-office role with Phoenix doesn't seem to have affected his friendship with Ishbia — as indicated by his praise for Ishbia's $2 menu initiative.