Isaiah Thomas' three-year run with the Boston Celtics didn't end on the best of terms, but the Denver Nuggets point guard is still open to possibly returning to the franchise with which he experienced the most success of his career.
"At some point," Thomas said before Monday's matchup at TD Garden, according to NESN's Logan Mullen. "This was some of the most fun times of my career. I turned into a superstar here, the world knew my name when I played for the Boston Celtics - not saying they don't now. But playing for the Celtics changed my whole career, on and off the floor. This city and this organization treated my family with 100 percent respect. And, you know, decisions happen. I mean, I never hold no grudge against anybody.
"You never know what can happen. My options are always open no matter what it is, and I mean if I end up back here at some point, that'll make the story that much better."
Thomas was abruptly dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 when Kyrie Irving became available. He had just battled through an injured hip and the death of his sister to lead Boston to the Eastern Conference finals before he was shut down because of the injury.
"I was mostly hurt (emotionally)," Thomas added. "I understand the business, and I understand a businessman made a business move, so it wasn't about that. It was what I did for this city and what I went through, so I felt like it should've went down a little differently, but it didn't. I was hurt for a little while, and I think the biggest thing for me was I was hurt because I was physically hurt for so long and I wasn't able to play. I think if that business decision went down and I was healthy, I would've been fine with it because I would've been able to hoop right away."
Thomas averaged 24.7 points, six assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 179 appearances with Boston. He also made a pair of All-Star teams and was a member of the All-NBA second team in 2017.
The eight-year pro will enter unrestricted free agency this summer after signing a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum with Denver. Thomas was recently removed from the Nuggets' rotation exactly one month after making his season debut following his recovery from arthroscopic hip surgery.
