2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

13. Isaiah Thomas, PG, Los Angeles Lakers (Unrestricted)

Where he will sign: Indiana Pacers

I’m sure the Los Angeles Lakers would love to bring Isaiah Thomas back. However, as he recently stated, he’s not interested in being a backup (via USA Today‘s Sam Amick). If he stays with the Lake Show, that’s pretty much what he’s going to be with Lonzo Ball demanding minutes.

It makes sense for Thomas to want to be a starter. He’s a two-time All-Star and one of the league’s truly inspiring stories of overcoming adversity. While his short stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers was an unmitigated disaster, there’s no denying the diminutive point guard has the talent to start for almost any NBA team.

That’s why the Indiana Pacers go out and spend the money necessary to secure a legitimate starting point guard. That’s not to say Darren Collison isn’t capable of getting the job done, but teaming Thomas with Victor Oladipo sounds like too tempting of an opportunity to pass up.

Only $2 million of Collison’s $10 million for 2018-19 is guaranteed, so the Pacers can get out without too much trouble. This is also assuming Thaddeus Young opts out of the $13 million he’s due next year, which would give them enough flexibility to sign Thomas to a lucrative deal. I wouldn’t go as far as a max contract, but he’ll be paid handsomely.

Not many people expected the Pacers to be as good as they’ve been this season. Imagine what they could do with one of the most dangerous backcourt duos in the league in 2018-19.