The Celtics’ options in free agency are limited, but they could be bringing back a beloved and familiar face.
The team is interested in an Isaiah Thomas reunion, reports NBA Insider Marc Stein. Brad Stevens, who replaced Danny Ainge as team’s president of basketball operations, is known to be one of Thomas’ biggest fans.
Thomas’ basketball career has floundered since the Celtics traded him to the Cavaliers as part of the package to land Kyrie Irving. His wrecked hip, which he injured while going all-out for the Celtics in the 2017 postseason, prevented him from making an impact in Cleveland. The Cavaliers dealt Thomas to the Lakers at the 2018 trade deadline.
Thomas bounced between the Nuggets and Wizards before his abbreviated stint last season with the Pelicans.
Most recently, he’s been dominating in random summer leagues across the country.
“All it takes is ONE team!,” Thomas tweeted April 29. “Give me a REAL chance to be apart of something and I’ll show the impact I’ll have on a team whether I play or not. I’m ready to GO.”
It would be fitting if that one team were the Celtics. They have a hole at point guard and might even become thinner at the position. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports Stevens is “frustrated” with Marcus Smart’s play and could trade the feisty veteran this summer.
Thomas quickly became a fan favorite with the Celtics, averaging 24.7 points per game in three seasons here. His 2017 playoff performance, in which he dropped 53 points against the Wizards on his sister’s birthday just days after she died in a car accident, will forever be part of Boston sports lore.
At 32 years old, it’s uncertain how much of an impact Thomas could make. But he could provide the Celtics with some offensive punch, and desperately needed positive publicity.
Over the weekend, Stevens traded away Tristan Thompson and acquired Josh Richardson, Kris Dunn and Bruno Fernando. He dealt Kemba Walker for Al Horford in June.
The Celtics are also looking at other options at point guard, including the Spurs’ Patty Mills, according to reports. NBA free agency kicks off Monday at 6:00 p.m. EST.