Former Celtics MVP Candidate Signs with Utah Jazz G League Affiliate

Former Celtics star reunites with CEO of Jazz basketball, Danny Ainge.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is back in the NBA after signing with the Utah Jazz's G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Thomas, 35, was last in the NBA in 2022, where the guard played 17 games with the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran averaged 8.3 points, shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 39.7 from three, in 12.9 minutes per contest.

Prior to Charlotte, Thomas bounced around in short stints with the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers twice, and the Denver Nuggets, including their G League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold. 

He also spent some time with the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans since being dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Boston Celtics in the blockbuster deal for Kyrie Irving in the summer of 2017.

In his multiple All-Star seasons in Boston, the five-foot-nine guard averaged 24.7 points while capturing the hearts of the fan base. He finished in the top five for the 2017 MVP award, generating 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, shooting 46.3 percent, including 37.9 percent from three. 

He was also the best fourth quarter scorer in the NBA in 2016–17, slating his name as one of the best performers of all time in the final period next to Kobe Bryant.

Thomas has loudly voiced the urge for more opportunities to prove he can still help an NBA team. 

He now reunites with former Celtics' president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, who had concerns about Thomas' hip injury before trading him for Irving. But the two have since buried the hatchet.

Ainge is now the one giving Thomas his latest chance to showcase his abilities and earn an NBA deal.

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