Isaiah Thomas Eyes Kings Return
In a story that has come full circle, Isaiah Thomas is set to return to Sacramento, a city where his illustrious NBA journey began. At 35, Thomas is heading back to the Kings’ facilities for a workout with current players, rekindling memories of a career defined by resilience, spectacular highs, and unfortunate setbacks.
Thomas was a relative unknown when he was drafted with the 60th pick by the Kings in 2011. However, he quickly made a name for himself with his brilliant performances and fierce determination. His inaugural tenure with Sacramento came to an end in the summer of 2014 via a sign-and-trade deal, marking the beginning of a nomadic phase in his career that saw him donning various jerseys across the league.
Last season, Thomas exhibited glimpses of his former self, albeit in limited appearances. He suited up for six games with the Phoenix Suns and played four games in the G League for the Salt Lake City Stars. Despite these limited on-court opportunities, Thomas remains committed to extending his NBA career. "I want to play a year or two more," he remarked, demonstrating his undying passion for the game he loves.
His commitment was evident last month when he participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas. Though no contract materialized from that effort, Thomas stayed optimistic. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he shared, underscoring the veteran guard’s readiness to seize any viable chance.
For a player who once finished fifth in MVP voting in 2017 during his splendid run with the Boston Celtics, the road back to regular NBA action has been challenging. A lingering hip injury has severely limited his playing time, preventing him from appearing in more than 40 games in any season since 2017. Despite these setbacks, Thomas’ experience and leadership could still offer value to teams looking for seasoned depth.
The upcoming Kings workout will also feature other notable names, adding a competitive edge to the session. Guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley are all set to participate. Walker IV is coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he impressed by shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes, proving himself as an effective scorer.
Juan Toscano-Anderson's journey has also had its interesting turns. He played 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before moving on to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, where his versatile skills were on display. Meanwhile, Tony Bradley spent the previous season with the G League's Texas Legends, honing his craft and making a case for another NBA stint.
For Isaiah Thomas, this workout in Sacramento represents more than just another opportunity. It is a chance to return to his roots, to the place where the NBA dream became a reality. While his career has had its share of highs and lows, Thomas has never wavered in his love for the game. As he laces up his shoes for this latest chapter, the basketball world will be watching, eager to see what this next phase holds for the veteran guard.