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On WFAN: Isola Defends Isiah-Carmelo Report

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Frank Isola of the Daily News joined WFAN's Marc Malusis on Thursday to talk about Isiah Thomas' alleged involvement in the Carmelo Anthony trade, and what he described as "spin control" by Knicks owner James Dolan.

"I would also say this very directly. While Isiah Thomas is a friend of mine, a very good friend, he was not at all involved in this process," Dolan said during Anthony's introductory press conference Wednesday. "He wasn't advising me or telling me what to do in any way, and any reports that imply that he was doing that are simply untrue and a fiction in somebody's mind."

Isola was among those reporting Thomas' alleged involvement.

"We know it was Isiah Thomas telling him to get the deal done, he helped facilitate the deal. But it's all spin control," Isola said. "Why would I write it? I could be fired if it wasn't true."

LISTEN: Frank Isola talks Dolan, Carmelo trade with Marc Malusis

Dolan didn't take any questions during his session with the media.

"He's making it ... about himself, stealing some of the thunder from Carmelo Anthony," said Isola. "He's also looking to try and come across as tough. Well, if you're tough, take questions then."

The Knicks released a statement Sunday saying Dolan, Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni were on the same page, and the owner repeated that Wednesday, insisting they were "completely coordinated throughout this process from start to finish." Isola has a different take.

"I thought Mike D'Antoni and Donnie Walsh were going to chair off their chairs when he was saying that," Isola said. "They both know that Isiah Thomas was involved."

What do you think? Does Isiah have Dolan's ear? Sound off in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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