Midway through the 2017-18 NBA season, Isaiah Thomas teamed up with Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma following a trade-deadline move between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although Thomas only appeared in 17 games before requiring season-ending hip surgery, he established himself as a mentor to the team’s young core. While there were scenarios of Thomas re-signing depending on how free agency played out, the Lakers ultimately signed Rajon Rondo to a one-year, $9 million contract.
In turn, Thomas eventually signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets.