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via Getty

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Isaiah Thomas’s basketball journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Standing at just 5’9”, he has consistently defied expectations, proving that heart and skill can outweigh physical limitations. From his early days in Tacoma to the tragic loss of his sister, Thomas has faced numerous challenges, but his unwavering passion for the game has kept him moving forward.

While his NBA journey is well-documented, his recent G League contract with the Salt Lake City Stars and his career earnings offer a fascinating glimpse into the financial landscape of his professional career

While many are familiar with his NBA journey, it’s equally important to delve into his career earnings to understand the financial landscape of his professional tenure.

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Isaiah Thomas’ most recent contract

In short, yes. Yes, the 36-year-old guard has rejoined the team, marking another chapter in his relentless pursuit of an NBA comeback. After a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns in 2024, Thomas is back in the G League, determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“After a standout G League performance, Thomas signed two 10-day contracts with the Phoenix Suns in March and April 2024. Though his time with the Suns was brief, it showcased his enduring talent. Now back with the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, Thomas is determined to once again catch the attention of NBA teams.

Last season, he averaged an impressive 33 points per game in just four games, a reminder of his scoring prowess and his ability to dominate at any level. His performance was good enough to earn him a call-up to the Suns just a year ago.

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USA Today via Reuters

The Salt Lake City Stars’ decision to sign him is more than just a roster move. It’s a signal that he’s still aiming for an NBA return. His brief time with the Suns was another glimpse of his potential, and now, his focus is fully on working his way back into the NBA through the G League.

What’s your perspective on:

At 36, can Isaiah Thomas still make a significant impact in the NBA, or is it too late?

Have an interesting take?

Although the team hasn’t disclosed the exact details of his current deal, he remains determined to leave his mark. His hope for another NBA opportunity drives his unwavering motivation. At 36, time may be against him, but Isaiah Thomas isn’t backing down. He’s ready to take one more chance. Whether or not that leads to an NBA spot remains to be seen, but for now, the Stars will be his proving ground.

To fully appreciate Thomas’s journey, it’s important to look back at his career earnings and the financial milestones that have defined his path. From his humble beginnings as the 60th overall pick to his All-Star years with the Celtics, Thomas’s contracts tell the story of a player who has constantly defied expectations.

How much has Isaiah Thomas made over the years in the NBA?

Three words that describe Isaiah Thomas’s NBA journey are resilience, perseverance, and being tested. This is because he wasn’t a typical high-profile prospect; he was drafted 60th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2011. Who was the Kings’ last pick that season? Thomas, standing at just 5’9″, had to fight for every opportunity, and his salary reflected that early on. In his rookie season, he earned only $473,604, which, though modest, was a starting point. Many doubted his potential, but Isaiah didn’t let that stop him. His determination to prove everyone wrong was his fuel. However, by his second season, his payment saw a hike.

For the 2013-14 season, his salary increased to $884,293, but his performance on the court was something that truly caught attention. However, it was evident that he wasn’t just playing for salary, rather he was playing for himself. Remember his unique style, blending speed, shooting, and fierce determination? It started to turn heads. But, there was a major thing waiting for him in 2014.

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Thomas signed a deal worth $7,238,606 with the Celtics. Well, now this made him a household name. He became Boston’s leader, guiding them through one of the most thrilling stretches in recent franchise history. During that time, he even reached All-Star status and became a fan favorite. His iconic 53-point game against the Washington Wizards in 2017—on the night after his sister’s tragic passing still remains one of the most unforgettable performances in recent NBA history. However, talking about his salary, that time it reflected a rise, reaching $6,912,869 in the 2015-16 season, and $6,587,131 the following year. These numbers were more than just figures; it was a payback to his hard work. But the world is unpredictable, and injury kept following him.

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USA Today via Reuters

The 2017-18 season saw him earn $6,261,394 with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his body was no longer cooperating. Uncertainty dominated the next few years. His role in the league had changed, and so had his paychecks. In 2018-19, with the Denver Nuggets, he earned just $2,029,463. The injury struggles continued, and his days as a star seemed behind him. But, the 2× NBA All-Star was ready to give up.

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In 2020-21, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans and earned only $159,698. Despite his poor game role, he bounced around the league for a few more stints. He played for the Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22—earning significantly less like $607,284, $151,821, and $151,821 respectively. But, then he was in his prime.

By the 2023-24 season, the hoopster was back with the Phoenix Suns, earning $477,630. Though it wasn’t a huge contract, his time there was gold. In his NBA career, Thomas has earned a total of $32,697,809, which could rise to $42,422,572 with potential bonuses. But beyond the money, his story highlights much more than just his financial earnings. However, by his journey one thing is clear, Isaiah Thomas wasn’t a player who defied the odds, but a man who fought against the narrative that he was too small or too injured to succeed.

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At 36, can Isaiah Thomas still make a significant impact in the NBA, or is it too late?

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