Though his time with the Boston Celtics was short, Isaiah Thomas’ time in green was memorable. He led a group of misfits to postseason berths and battles in what was supposed to be the Celtics’ rebuilding era.
Thomas helped expedite what could have been a painful process for Celtics fans and was traded away as a result.
Since he was shipped out of Boston for Kyrie Irving, Thomas has battled the hip injury he suffered while with the Celtics, playing in only 41 games for three teams over two seasons.
Thomas returns to Boston on Monday, though he’s still not wearing green. Now with the Denver Nuggets, Thomas isn’t opposed to rejoining his old team, given the “love” he and the city had for one another was “genuine,” as he expressed to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
That played a role in Thomas contacting Danny Ainge last summer upon becoming a free agent.
I know we left on bad terms with me being traded. I wanted them to know that the interest was there. I didn’t know if they were interested, and I wasn’t saying I wanted to come back and be the guy. I was just saying if the opportunity presents itself, just know I’m interested. That’s all it was.
The opportunity to win a title may be a factor into Thomas’ desire to come back to Boston, as well, but it seems far from the lone reason. The guard gave Himmelsbach multiple reasons to be a Celtic again, but the most significant may have been the team and city’s response to the death of his younger sister, Chyna.
That’s probably the biggest thing for me, how this whole organization and city came together with me and were by my side when I grieved. The love and what I feel for Boston will never change because of that.
Thomas will be a free agent at the conclusion of the season, giving the two parties another shot at a reunion. Thomas remains open to the idea.
You never know. You can’t predict the future. My options are always open for anybody. I’m a Denver Nugget now, but I’m a free agent at the end of the season, and you never know what can happen. Who knows?
