NBA Rumors: Kings plan to match reasonable offers for Isaiah Thomas

The Sacramento Kings found out earlier today that Rudy Gay will exercise his player option, meaning he’ll be returning to California’s capital next season. Also hopefully returning, at least in the eyes of the Kings, will be point guard Isaiah Thomas.

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The pint-sized talent out of Washington has emerged onto the scene as a sparkplug during the past few seasons and while he may not be the most prototypical one guard given his lack of size and scoring ability, he has still proven himself to be a very talented NBA player that the Kings intend to retain as Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee states they will match any ‘reasonable’ offer for Thomas.

Kings plan to match any reasonable offer for Thomas, which I've heard would be in the $6 million/year range.
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) June 22, 2014

The $6 million dollar figure likely gives the Kings a little bit of wiggle room as they’d probably go a little higher, but are simply suggesting $6 million as a base point. Teams know that Sacramento will likely match a number like $7 million, so the suggestion of $6 million means teams would likely need to give up closer to $8 or $9 million annually, which is a considerable chunk of change for a point guard with size questions.

Given Isaiah Thomas’ restricted status, it’s completely possible teams will decide not to offer him a contract at all (knowing the Kings would match their offer) and if that proves to be the case, Thomas can either play out his final qualifying offer season and become an unrestricted free agent next season or the two sides can work out an extension moving forward.

For now, barring a significant overpay it appears Isaiah Thomas will be staying in Sacramento.

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