What Happened to Isaiah Jamar Thomas?
Isaiah Thomas, a two-time NBA All-Star known for his electrifying scoring with the Boston Celtics, saw his playing career significantly impacted by a hip injury in 2017. After several attempts to return to the NBA through various teams and G-League stints, he officially transitioned into a front-office role in May 2026, joining the Boston Celtics as a pro and college scout.
Quick Answer
Isaiah Thomas, after a remarkable NBA career highlighted by two All-Star selections with the Boston Celtics, faced a challenging period due to a debilitating hip injury. He made several attempts to return to the league, including stints in the G-League and a brief return to the Phoenix Suns in 2024. As of May 14, 2026, Thomas has joined the Boston Celtics organization as a pro and college scout, marking a new chapter in his basketball career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Sacramento Kings
Isaiah Thomas was selected as the 60th and final pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.
Traded to Phoenix Suns
After three seasons with the Kings, Thomas was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Traded to Boston Celtics
Thomas was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he would go on to have the most successful period of his career.
First NBA All-Star Selection
Thomas earned his first NBA All-Star selection while playing for the Boston Celtics.
Second NBA All-Star Selection & All-NBA Second Team
Thomas had a career-best season, earning his second All-Star nod, leading the Celtics to the top seed in the East, and being named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Suffers Hip Injury
During the 2017 NBA Playoffs, Thomas suffered a significant right hip injury that would ultimately derail his playing career.
Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
Thomas was traded from the Celtics to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the Kyrie Irving trade, marking the beginning of his post-Celtics struggles.
Signs with Grand Rapids Gold (G-League)
After several short NBA stints, Thomas signed with the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League, continuing his efforts to return to the NBA.
Joins Salt Lake City Stars (G-League)
Thomas joined the Salt Lake City Stars, a G-League affiliate, where he averaged 32.5 points across 4 games.
Signs 10-day contract with Phoenix Suns
Thomas signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, marking his return to the NBA after nearly two years. He later signed for the remainder of the season.
Returns to Salt Lake City Stars (G-League)
Thomas played for the Salt Lake City Stars in the 2024-25 G-League season, averaging 29.1 PPG.
Expresses Desire for One More NBA Season
Thomas stated in an interview that he felt his body was ready for 'at least' one more NBA season and was in contact with a few teams.
Hired as Pro and College Scout by Boston Celtics
Isaiah Thomas was hired by the Boston Celtics as a pro and college scout, based in Seattle, transitioning into a front-office role.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Isaiah Thomas's journey in the NBA began in 2011 when he was selected as the 60th and final pick in the NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, defying expectations for an undersized guard. He quickly established himself as a potent scorer and playmaker, spending three seasons with the Kings before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2014.
His career reached its zenith with the Boston Celtics, where he was traded in February 2015. Thomas became a fan favorite, leading the Celtics to the first seed in the Eastern Conference during the 2016-17 season, averaging 28.9 points per game, and finishing fifth in MVP voting. He earned two NBA All-Star selections during his time in Boston.
However, his promising career took a dramatic turn during the 2017 playoffs when he suffered a severe right hip injury. Despite playing through the injury, its long-term effects significantly hampered his performance. In August 2017, he was famously traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the package for Kyrie Irving, a move that many viewed as the beginning of his career's decline.
Over the next several years, Thomas bounced around multiple NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks, often on short-term or 10-day contracts, struggling to regain his All-Star form due to persistent hip issues. He also had several stints in the NBA G League, playing for teams like the Grand Rapids Gold and the Salt Lake City Stars, continuously working towards an NBA comeback.
In March 2024, Thomas signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, making his return to the NBA after nearly two years. He later signed a second 10-day contract and then for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, fulfilling a long-sought comeback. Despite expressing a desire to play at least one more NBA season as of December 2025, and playing for the Salt Lake City Stars in the 2024-25 G-League season, his playing career appears to have concluded.
CURRENT STATUS (as of 2026-05-15): On May 14, 2026, Isaiah Thomas was hired by the Boston Celtics as a pro and college scout. He will be based in his hometown of Seattle and has already been working with Celtics executives at the draft combine in Chicago, learning the evaluation process. This role marks a significant transition for Thomas into a front-office position within the organization where he had his most impactful playing years.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Isaiah Jamar Thomas made different choices?