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How much will Sacramento Kings miss Isaiah Thomas?

By Andrew Melnick

Nov 29, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darren Collison (2) drives in against Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas (22) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darren Collison (2) drives in against Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas (22) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings quickly targeted Los Angeles Clippers’ point guard Darren Collison and agreed to a three-year, $16.63 million deal with Collison. They then decided they did not want to pay what it would take to re-sign restricted free agent point guard Isaiah Thomas. Instead, they wound up dealing him and his new four-year, $27 million deal to the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade.

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Cray Allred of Hoops Rumors wonders why the Kings didn’t see Thomas as part of their future.

"The Kings didn’t see the scoring machine of a point guard in their future, signing Darren Collison while Thomas was still a restricted free agent. Thomas was one of only five players to average 20 PPG and 6 APG last season. Sacramento hasn’t recouped much scoring punch in free agency, but did acquire a $7.2MM trade exception, as well as the rights to Alex Oriakhi, by executing a sign-and-trade sending Thomas to Phoenix."

Thomas averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game last season while shooting 45.3% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.0% from the free throw line. Collison averaged 11.4 points, 3.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.7% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw line.

Obviously, there isn’t much of a comparison statistically but the Kings were looking for less of a scorer and more of a distributor. However, at less than $7 million per season, Thomas seems like an absolute steal.

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