Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Isaiah Thomas

By Jeremy Lambert

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Isaiah Thomas
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Isaiah Thomas /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 12: DeMarcus Cousins #15 and Isaiah Thomas #22 of the Sacramento Kings after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 12, 2014 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 12: DeMarcus Cousins #15 and Isaiah Thomas #22 of the Sacramento Kings after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 12, 2014 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. New Orleans Pelicans

For this to work, Thomas would have to take the mid-level exception. This all assumes that DeMarcus Cousins ends up staying in New Orleans. If Thomas prioritizes winning and playing competitive basketball over money, the Pelicans have a role for him. Rajon Rondo may or may not be back in New Orleans. Even if he returns, Thomas has a role.

If Rondo returns, Thomas becomes the early favorite for Sixth Man of the Year. That award always goes to the guy off the bench who scores the most, and very few bench players are going to outscore a guy playing alongside Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. If Rondo doesn’t return, Thomas becomes the starting shooting guard. He doesn’t have the playmaking skill of Rondo, but he does provide New Orleans with extra spacing for Davis and Cousins.

The big selling point for Thomas is getting to play with Cousins again. The two had a great relationship in Sacramento. Just look at this tweet from when they were teammates:

Thomas was open to the idea of re-uniting with his father earlier this year.

Few contending teams need a point guard or would be willing to take a risk on Thomas after this past year. New Orleans could use another perimeter scorer and have been willing to take risks on players with perceived personality issues. If Thomas is serious about prioritizing basketball over money, New Orleans might be the perfect landing spot.

Brinks Truck Update: Potentially compromised. May never return.

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