Shams: Isaiah Thomas Signs Contract with Jazz's G League Affiliate, Eyes NBA Comeback

Veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas' potential return to the NBA reportedly took a notable step Tuesday.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Thomas agreed to a deal with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars:

Thomas had struggled to land an NBA contract after the 2019-20 season because of a 2017 hip injury that derailed his career. He appeared in three games for the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2020-21 season after signing a 10-day contract but wasn't given another opportunity after that.

The two-time All-Star put together his best statistical stretch with the Boston Celtics from 2015-16 to 2016-17. He averaged 24.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game during his time with the C's.

The 35-year-old began the 2021-22 season with the Grand Rapids Gold of the G League. After averaging 41.3 points in three games, he signed a 10-day deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in four games for the franchise.

Thomas averaged 9.3 points in those games, and after his 10-day deal was up, he signed another 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks and appeared in one game.

The Hornets then signed him to a 10-day deal in early March 2022, and he earned a second 10-day contract with the franchise later that month. Charlotte decided toward the end of the month to sign him for the remainder of the season.

In 17 games with the Hornets, Thomas averaged 8.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor and 39.7 percent from deep. He proved to be a nice depth option at point guard behind LaMelo Ball.

However, Thomas went the entire 2022-23 campaign unsigned, so it's unclear how effective he will be as he strives to return to the NBA at this stage of his career.