Two-time NBA All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas is aiming for a return to the league by re-joining the Salt Lake Stars, the G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, as he took this significant step on Monday. This update was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is pursuing another NBA return, signing into the G League and rejoining the Utah Jazz’s Salt Lake City affiliate, sources tell ESPN. Last season, Thomas averaged 33 points in four G League games en route to a call up to the Suns.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2025
As noted, Thomas averaged an impressive 33 points per game in four games with the Stars last season, which led to a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns. Since 2021, he has been pursuing an NBA roster spot, playing for the Stars and Grand Rapids Gold, as well as signing short-term contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks.
A decade ago, Thomas was one of the league’s most exciting players. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings as the last pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, he had a stellar collegiate career at Washington. He quickly became a fan favorite in Sacramento but was traded to the Phoenix Suns after three seasons. Although his stint with the Suns was largely forgettable, he found new success after being traded to the Boston Celtics in February 2016 for a first-round pick.
During his time with the Celtics, Thomas established himself as a star, averaging 25.5 points and 6.1 assists per game over two seasons, making both of his All-Star appearances, and finishing fifth in MVP voting for the 2016-17 season. Unfortunately, Boston traded him to Cleveland as part of the Kyrie Irving deal, where a physical exam revealed numerous hip issues that would plague him throughout the remainder of his career. In his two seasons with the Celtics, he played 158 games, but only managed to appear in 115 from 2018 to 2024.
While it may be improbable for Thomas to reach the heights he achieved in Boston, he has shown he can still be a valuable veteran guard, assisting various teams as the NBA season progresses. The news of his signing has generated considerable buzz on social media.
This has to be the league’s greatest subplot for the last few years https://t.co/01BNKaiA6g
— Dom2K 🎅🎇 (@Dom_2k) January 27, 2025
He’s my dog for life but https://t.co/4joXzw1sRU pic.twitter.com/PLK877T7QA
— Trey (@TA1297) January 27, 2025
https://t.co/ZSBlgrdswG pic.twitter.com/4DLQPYASSL
— Brian Gallagher (@BGallySquared_) January 27, 2025
Sir may I interest you in a coaching role https://t.co/nPSW8pIuTY
— Leeneaux (@mignaci0) January 27, 2025
