Los Angeles Lakers: 3 former players unsigned in 2021 NBA Free Agency

Los Angeles Lakers: Isaiah Thomas remains unsigned in NBA Free Agency

Once viewed as an MVP candidate, Isaiah Thomas was no longer that player when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2018 trade deadline. Understandably so, as he was battling through an injury that has hindered him over the past several years, but the guard was not brought back for another year after appearing in 17 games with the team following that trade.

It has been tragic to see Thomas fall from All-Star status to being out of the league entirely in the modern-day as he continues pushing for an NBA comeback. While he is no longer the lethal scoring guard that averaged 30 points per game with the Celtics back in the day, Thomas could reasonably be a double-digit scorer off the bench if given another chance. Health has been the biggest issue for him, and after playing in just three games this past season courtesy of a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, Thomas should be refreshed.

When it comes to potential suitors, it appeared for quite some time that the Lakers might be the team to sign him. Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes recently reported that the team held a workout for Thomas as they looked to add a backup point guard, which would have been interesting. Instead, it seems like they will move on from a potential Thomas reunion after the recent Rondo news.

Other teams that could be interested in Thomas are contenders left without any financial flexibility to this point and still need some guard depth. One suitor that could make sense as a potential destination is the Brooklyn Nets. They boast arguably the NBA’s best backcourt in Kyrie Irving and James Harden but lack relatively any depth behind them. Thomas would be a cheap option to add as a backup ball-handler and give the team some experience as they will be at the forefront of contention next season.

Potential Landing Spot: Brooklyn Nets