Isaiah Thomas Gets New Chance for NBA Comeback, but There's a Catch

Veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas is striving for a comeback in the league, and he has already taken the first step in that direction.

The 35-year-old is set to join the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, as the ongoing NBA campaign heads to its final weeks, according to league insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Thomas' most recent NBA run was during the 2021-22 season, during which he inked 10-day contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets.

The 5-foot-9 playmaker was the 60th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. It was with the Boston Celtics that Thomas truly flourished.

During the 2016-17 season, he achieved a career-high average of 28.9 points per game and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

However, the franchise traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving during the following summer.

Following this trade, Thomas underwent a noticeable decline in performance, primarily attributed to hip injuries that affected his speed and athleticism, altering his career trajectory.

Thomas has Celtics ties with the Jazz

Thomas enjoys a familiar connection within the Jazz front office as the team's CEO of basketball operations and alternate governor, Danny Ainge, previously served in the Boston Celtics' front office from 2003 to 2021.

This period includes Thomas's tenure with the Celtics from 2015 to 2017.