Isaiah Thomas' Return to Sacramento Sparks Interest
Isaiah Thomas is headed back to where it all began. The 35-year-old point guard is set to return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings, nearly a decade after his initial tenure with the team concluded. Drafted at No. 60 in 2011, Thomas quickly became a fan favorite before leaving the Kings in a sign-and-trade deal in the 2014 offseason.
Over the years, Thomas has seen the highs of the NBA, including a standout 2017 season with the Boston Celtics that earned him a fifth-place finish in MVP voting. However, a persistent hip injury has taken its toll, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season since his scintillating 2017 campaign.
Last season, Thomas played sparingly, logging just six games with the Phoenix Suns and four games with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. Despite the limited playing time, the veteran guard remains determined to prolong his career. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas stated, reinforcing his commitment to finding a new home in the NBA.
Efforts to secure a new team have been ongoing for Thomas, including participation in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas just last month. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas admitted, providing insight into his continued dedication to the sport.
Joining Familiar and New Faces
Thomas will not be alone in the Kings' workout. Fellow free-agent prospects Lonnie Walker IV, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Tony Bradley are also set to participate. Walker IV, who had a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, showcased his shooting prowess by hitting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His impressive statistics may make him a compelling option for the Kings.
Toscano-Anderson, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Kings' franchise, having played 11 games for Sacramento in the 2023-24 season before concluding the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. The versatile forward’s return could offer depth and experience to the Kings' lineup.
Big man Tony Bradley, who spent his last season with the G League’s Texas Legends, brings additional size and rebounding capability to the workout. Each of these players will be vying to catch the eyes of the Kings' coaching staff and management in hopes of securing a roster spot.
A Chance for Revival
For Thomas, this workout represents more than just a return to familiar territory. It’s an opportunity to prove he still has the skills and conditioning to contribute at the highest level. The Kings, currently rebuilding and looking to add veteran presence and leadership to their roster, might find in Thomas a seasoned guard who can mentor younger players while providing valuable minutes on the floor.
His journey from being the last pick in the draft to an MVP candidate, and now a seasoned vet battling injuries and seeking one more shot, embodies the resilience and determination that often define successful NBA careers. As he joins the likes of Walker IV, Toscano-Anderson, and Bradley in Sacramento, the basketball world will be watching to see if Isaiah Thomas can once again prove his mettle and extend his remarkable journey in the NBA.