KEY POINTS

  • Thomas may be picked up by other teams soon
  • Thomas could return to Boston
  • Thomas likely to become a backup guard for other teams

All eyes are now on the buyout market and one of the notable names appending it is Isaiah Thomas. After ending up with the Los Angeles Clippers following a multi-team trade involving the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks, critics felt that it would be a temporary stop. And so it was.

Now, it remains to be seen which team will pick up the 31-year-old guard who had his best years with the Boston Celtics. There are suggestions of a possible return to Bean Town. However, a second coming to Boston will not be similar to the one he had during their 2015-17 run. With several young guards anchoring the Celtics, the best Thomas can hope for is a backup role per the Celtics Talk Podcast.

It has been a struggle for Thomas since his peak days with Boston. Injuries have stood in the way and he has struggled to recall his old fiery form. He has played for four different NBA teams and has simply been not the same. It will be interesting which team takes a chance on him. There are several teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers in need of a playmaker, but nothing is set in stone.

As for the Clippers, some see it as a big mystery why head coach Doc Rivers did not let the 5-foot-9 guard a chance to see if he can be of use. His injury history could be a reason, meaning the Clips are not taking any chances. However, there are reports that the Clippers are looking to add shore up their guard lineup.

Darren Collison is someone they are interested in although the Lakers seem to have the inside track. The 32-year-old had a change of heart, opting to come out of retirement after calling it quits prior to the 2019-20 NBA season.

If not Collison, the Clippers are reportedly waiting on the status of Reggie Jackson of the Detroit Pistons. According to the Bleacher Report, the 29-year-old is working on a buyout and is a top priority for the Clips once he hits the free-agent market. However, the Clips will need to closely keep tabs with the situation with several other NBA teams also monitoring buyout candidates to improve their current rosters.

Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas #0 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Tyrone Wallace #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images/Matthew Stockman