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Isaiah Thomas
Former All-Star Isaiah Thomas returned to Phoenix Sunsas first reported Athletic’s Shams Charania. This may not be the end. Charania revealed how likely it is that Thomas will stay with the Suns for the rest of the season.
“It’s a 10-day contract, but that roster spot will be his, unless something happens,” Charania said on March 18. by “Count X from Run It Back.
Charania added Thomas’ appeal to the Suns as a player.
“You think about filming. You think about the playoff experience. He participated in title races in Boston; veteran leadership, even if he doesn’t play, I think he’s a guy you can watch in the locker room.
Nothing is official yet, but that could change when the contract expires. If Thomas sticks around, it will be the first time he finishes the season with an NBA team since 2022 when he finished with the Hornets.
This is also his second tenure in Phoenix, having signed with them in 2014 but then was traded a few months later at the 2015 NBA trade deadline to Boston.
Thomas has some experience playing alongside Bradley Beal, as the two played together on the Wizards during the 2021-22 season.
Isaiah Thomas will be available March 20
Since agreeing to a 10-day contract with the Suns, Thomas has yet to play for them. Although no one knows if and when he will debut, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix radio host John Gombadoro reported that he should be available to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 20.
Gombadoro reported as such via his X account.
This doesn’t mean Thomas will debut with the Suns, but it’s a possibility. Gombadoro also added additional information that Thomas would likely remain with the Suns for the season. At the same time, they can’t feature him in the rotation.
“Isaiah Thomas is coming to Phoenix on a 10-day contract according to a report, but he is expected to take the last spot on the Suns’ roster. I would doubt he makes the playoff rotation at 8-9, so no more insurance policy if one of the guards gets hurt,” Gombadoro reported. via his X account.
Kevin Garnett shouts out Isaiah Thomas
After the Suns signed Thomas, Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett shouted Thomas out for returning to the NBA. via his X account. He even thinks his return could be the subject of a special on Netflix.
Thomas himself responded to Garnett’s kind words, saying it’s “all love, big buddy.”
Garnett and Thomas have a common connection having played in Boston for several years, although they never played together. The Celtics traded Garnett nearly two years before acquiring Thomas from the Suns.
Before agreeing to join the Suns, Thomas had many supporters for his return. He may very well not play in the rotation, but Thomas’ familiarity with Beal as well as his experience could make him a valuable asset in Phoenix. He hasn’t had playoff success since his playing days in Boston, but that could change with the Suns.
Matt John covers the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy.com. A Massachusetts native, he has covered the NBA since 2018, with stops at FanSided, Basketball News and Basketball Insiders. Learn more about Matt John
