The Phoenix Suns have reportedly rounded out their 15-man playoff roster, as they are planning to sign Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of the season, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Comeback complete: The Phoenix Suns plan to sign guard Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. In his 12th NBA season, Thomas completed two 10-days – providing the Suns backcourt depth, strong leadership and vet presence in locker room. pic.twitter.com/PDbIT15vES
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2024
Thomas is currently on his second 10-day contract with the Suns (46-32) and has been praised by multiple players and coaches for the leadership he has brought. Phoenix only has four regular season games remaining.
“Ultimate teammate, ultimate professional, just ultimate hooper,” Suns’ star guard Devin Booker said of Thomas last week. “Somebody that in the past I’ve always had a lot of respect for, but I’ve never gotten develop a relationship like we are now, and I don’t take it for granted. I have a high respect for him, and I’ve obviously played against him and know what he’s capable of.”
This is the second time Thomas has had a 10-day contract lead a to rest-of-season deal, the first coming with the Charlotte Hornets at the end of the 2021-22 season.
However, the Hornets did not make the playoffs then. With the Suns currently in sixth place in the Western Conference and at least a play-in spot guaranteed, Thomas could be heading to his first playoffs since the 2016-17 season, which featured some very memorable performances of his with the Boston Celtics.
2017 Isaiah Thomas was different pic.twitter.com/Te4Z6v4RCE
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) May 27, 2023
The 12-year veteran has only played in garbage time for the Suns, averaging 1.3 points on 33.3% shooting in 3.5 minutes across four appearances for Phoenix.
“He’s here for depth,” coach Frank Vogel said ahead of Thomas’ first game with Phoenix. “When we’re at full strength, he won’t be in the rotation.”
Still, Thomas has made a huge impact with only his presence.
Bob meyers mentioned on air how the suns bench haven’t shown much energy all year but now theres a sudden change. @isaiahthomas has been standing all game, coaching up and cheering on his guys! Thats not a coincidence. That energy is infectious! You need vets!!
— Tramaine Isabell (@oTrillMaine) March 28, 2024
“Whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to make an impact each and every day,” Thomas said when he signed his first contract. “Whether I play or not, it’s bigger than putting the ball in the basket for me. I’m able to lead by example, lead by my experiences, and just help in any way possible. If my name is called, you know I’m ready. I’m ready to go right now. But if it’s not, I can still impact the game in so many ways … I’m just super thankful for the opportunity, and gonna impact each and every day.”
Isaiah Thomas is back with the Phoenix #Suns after 10 years, signing a 10-day deal with the team today. What is IT hoping to gain out of playing in the NBA again? pic.twitter.com/jF859332CK
— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) March 20, 2024
The Suns signed the 35-year-old Thomas after he only played four games with G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. In those games, he averaged 33 points on 45% shooting from deep across these contests.
This is IT’s second stint in the Valley. The Suns acquired Thomas in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings back in July 2014.
However, Thomas only played for the Suns for half of a season, as he was traded to the Celtics at the trade deadline. In his half season in Phoenix, the Washington product averaged 15.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals while playing 25.7 minutes per game across 46 contests.
For his NBA career, IT has averaged 17.5 points in 554 contests and racked up two All-Star appearances, both with Boston.
“I don’t have anything to prove,” Thomas said. “I know who I am, I think the world knows what I bring. I’ve played the same way on each and every level, no matter the circumstances, other than when I was hurt. I’m fully healthy, I’m fully ready to just help everybody in this organization make the next step. However long I’m here, I promise y’all (I’m going to) make a positive impact.”
Phoenix Suns reportedly signing Isaiah Thomas to second 10-day contract
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
