In leading the Boston Celtics to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals, Isaiah Thomas was laying the foundation for what was expected to be a lucrative contract come 2018 free agency. However, a hip injury prevented him from playing in Games 3, 4 and 5, and threw Thomas’ outlook off course.
While rehabbing the torn labrum, he was traded last offseason to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster for Kyrie Irving. Thomas didn’t make his debut with the Cavs until January of this year, and his tenure with the team lasted all of 15 games.
Then it was on to the Los Angeles Lakers, Thomas’ favorite team growing up.