Boston Celtics Come Away Winners in Isaiah Thomas Trade
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The rumors were swirling around the Boston Celtics and what general manager Danny Ainge had up his sleeve for this year’s trade deadline. Ainge waited until the final horn was sounded to pull off a deal, but he came through in a big way for the organization, getting the guy he had long coveted.
Ainge traded veteran Marcus Thornton and a 2016 first round pick (via Cleveland) to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for point guard Isaiah Thomas on Thursday.
The acquisition of Thomas is one that will have both an immediate and lasting impact on the organization. It’s a major step in the right direction for the Celtics. With Thomas on the team, they’re are a drastically better club. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2011 and has continued to develop as a legitimate offensive threat ever since.
Thomas can score in bunches. In 46 games with the Suns this season, the 26-year-old averaged 15.2 points per game in just over 25 minutes of action. He is undersized, standing at just 5-foot-9, but Thomas is a high-energy player who can shoot it from the outside and get the rim as well. With Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley manning the Celtics backcourt, Thomas will likely come off the bench, just as he did in Phoenix.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Thomas will have three years left on his current contract at the conclusion of this season. He signed a four-year contract worth $28 million with Suns this past summer. His decision to sign in Phoenix came after the Celtics had previously made an attempt to sign him. Ainge pushed hard for Thomas, but was unable to finalize a deal. Ainge kept his eye on Thomas and swore he would pounce if the youngster was made available.
The best part about the trade is that the Celtics hardly gave up a thing and were still able to fetch a high return. Thornton was in no way going to be part of the future and Ainge was able to hang on to the three first round picks from Brooklyn. Boston walked away from this trade as huge winners.
The addition of Thomas was major step in the right direction in regards to Boston’s rebuilding process. With a slew of young talent on the roster, two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and a solid amount of cap space, the future is looking bright and Celtics fans should be excited for what’s to come.