Isaiah Thomas was one of several NBA veteran guards invited to a workout on Wednesday, presumably vying to earn an opportunity at training camp.
Thomas, 35, made a commendable effort last season after a four-game run in the G League before signing a standard contract with the Phoenix Suns for the remainder of the 2023-24 season in April. Phoenix only used Thomas for six games, including a three-plus-minute appearance in the playoffs, before the 5-foot-9 veteran returned to free agency.
Now sitting, once again, up for grabs, Thomas has drawn interest from the Milwaukee Bucks — arguably the biggest Eastern Conference rival of the Boston Celtics.
“Sources tell me Isaiah Thomas worked out for the Bucks in Las Vegas,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported. “The two-time All-Star guard is working on an NBA return after finishing up last season with the Phoenix Suns. … They had a workout in Las Vegas today, the Bucks did, and they had Isaiah Thomas, Justice Winslow, Hamidou Diallo, Will Barton and Jaylen Nowell.”
Thomas averaged just 1.3 points and 0.5 assists, logging 3.2 minutes per game with the Suns before Phoenix suffered first-round elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now seven years removed from his last All-Star Game nod, Thomas isn’t on the hunt for meaningful minutes, but hoping to contribute in any role needed from the bench.
When the NBA trade deadline concluded in February, and the Celtics found themselves with an open roster spot, Thomas petitioned for consideration.
“My leadership alone would put this (Celtics) team over the hump!” Thomas posted on X. “I don’t even have to play a single minute. Just give me a jersey LOL.”
Boston didn’t take a flyer, but if Milwaukee does take a chance on Thomas, the Celtics could see plenty of their old friend next season. The Bucks are one of several East foes expected to give the title-defending Celtics problems amid their run toward a repeat.
