Isaiah Thomas, the pint-sized point guard, has emerged as the biggest winner in the blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to NBACentral (@TheNBACentel) citing Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania). This move brings Thomas back to where he established himself as a fan favorite and an integral part of the Celtics’ recent success.
Isaiah Thomas is signing a 1-year, $12.8M deal with the Celtics, per @SharmsCharania
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/BPWUHFY8Re
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) July 1, 2024
The Trade
The trade involved Kyrie Irving moving to Boston in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, along with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick. While the deal shook up the NBA landscape, it’s Thomas who stands out as the central figure.
Isaiah Thomas’s Remarkable Journey
Thomas’s journey from “star” to superstar has been nothing short of remarkable. In the 2016-2017 season, he leaped, earning MVP votes, securing an All-Star spot, and becoming one of the league’s most efficient scorers. His leadership led the Celtics to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and an appearance in the conference finals.
The Contract Situation
However, Thomas’s future was uncertain before the trade. He was in the last year of his contract, earning a mere $6.26 million for the upcoming season. As a 5-foot-9 point guard, he faced challenges on defense, and the Celtics had options: extend his contract, re-sign him for the max in 2018, or negotiate a discount.
Celtics’ Point Guard Options
The Celtics now face several options regarding Thomas:
- Extend Thomas: If Thomas agrees, the Celtics can sign him to an extension worth a reported $145.5 million. This deal would pay him $33.3 million in 2021-22 when he’ll be 33 years old. However, this move would require available cap room, potentially impacting their pursuit of other free agents like Gordon Hayward or trade targets like Jimmy Butler or Paul George.
- Re-sign Thomas for the Max in 2018: The Celtics could aim to sign Hayward or acquire another star player. Then, in 2018, they’d “back up the Brinks truck” for Thomas, offering a $179 million, five-year max contract. This would pay him $40 million in 2022, even when he’s 34. Despite the financial commitment, Thomas’s folk hero status might sway their decision.
- Re-sign Thomas at a Discount: A compromise could involve re-signing Thomas at a lower rate. The Celtics would emphasize remaining contenders while avoiding a $40 million commitment to a 34-year-old point guard.
