Isaiah Thomas Set to Return to Sacramento for Kings Workout
In a bid to bolster their lineup, the Sacramento Kings are set to bring back a familiar face this week—Isaiah Thomas. The 35-year-old guard, along with other free agents, will participate in a workout with the Kings’ players. This marks a significant moment for Thomas, who began his NBA career with the Kings after being drafted with the No. 60 pick in 2011.
Thomas’ tenure in Sacramento ended with a sign-and-trade in the 2014 offseason, but the diminutive guard has never ceased to be a fan favorite in the city. Despite bouncing around the league and enduring a hip injury that severely impacted his career, Thomas remains a beloved figure in Sacramento basketball lore.
The Journey Back
Last season, Thomas played six games for the Phoenix Suns and four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. While these appearances were brief, they were a testament to Thomas' relentless dedication to the game. He also participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month, showcasing his skills alongside other veteran free agents.
Thomas’ career highlights include finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2017 during his time with the Boston Celtics. However, his heroics came at a cost. Playing through a hip injury at the end of the 2017 season has limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season since then.
An Opportunity in Sacramento
The Kings’ workout presents another opportunity for Thomas to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. He isn’t the only one vying for a spot; guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley will also be part of the workouts.
Walker, 25, had a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before finishing with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, is another hopeful looking to make an impact. Bradley, meanwhile, spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends and will be aiming to secure an NBA spot.
Thomas’ Aspirations
As Thomas prepares for this critical workout, his determination and love for the game remain evident. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas told ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth in a recent interview. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he added, underscoring his commitment to extending his professional career.
For Kings fans and the organization alike, the return of Isaiah Thomas even for a workout is a nostalgic reminder of the early years of his career. Whether this opportunity results in a contract or not, Thomas' presence brings a palpable excitement and sentimentality to Sacramento. The upcoming workouts will undoubtedly be closely watched, as both veterans and younger players strive to make a lasting impression.
The next few days will be crucial for Isaiah Thomas and his fellow free agents. For a city and fanbase that has always embraced him, seeing Thomas back in Kings gear—even if just for a workout—reaffirms the enduring bond between the player and Sacramento. The hope is that, this time around, Thomas can find the stability and opportunity he seeks to conclude his illustrious career on a high note.