Isaiah Thomas Pushes for One Final NBA Season as He Awaits Interest from Teams

Isaiah Thomas is not ready to close the book on his NBA career. The 36-year-old guard, once one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, said in a recent interview with TMZ Sports that he still hopes to play at least one more season before stepping away from the game. Despite being out of the league since 2023–24, Thomas insists his commitment to training and staying prepared has not wavered.

Thomas emphasized that his body feels strong and that he continues to stay in touch with several NBA organizations. While he understands that opportunities for veteran guards can be limited, he remains confident that he can still perform at a high level. For him, the pursuit is about leaving the game on his own terms rather than fading out quietly.

The former All-Star made it clear that he is focused exclusively on returning to the NBA. Overseas opportunities have not been part of his consideration, as he believes he still has something to offer at the highest level of competition. That conviction has shaped his process as he keeps himself ready for any potential call.

Thomas is no stranger to setbacks or uncertainty, and his persistence reflects the resilience that defined his rise from the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft to the centerpiece of a title-contending Boston Celtics team. Now, he is hoping for one last chapter to complete an already remarkable career.

1. Thomas Discusses His Drive to Return

In his conversation with TMZ Sports, Thomas said his motivation remains strong. He stressed that his desire to play is not rooted in nostalgia but in the belief that he can still contribute meaningfully. “Yeah, I wanna play one more year at least,” he said. “I’m staying ready, staying in contact with a few teams… just making sure I stay ready while I can still play at a high level.” Thomas expressed confidence in his physical condition, noting he feels healthy and capable of competing. The guard suffered significant setbacks following a hip injury in 2017, but he insists those issues are behind him. “My body feels amazing,” he said. “I’m healthy… I still got a few more years to play but ideally I would love to play one more year.” When asked about potential team interest, Thomas declined to offer specifics, explaining that such details are best kept private. Even so, his remarks indicate that talks with NBA teams are ongoing, though no formal agreement appears imminent. The veteran added that the NBA remains his exclusive focus, reinforcing his ambition to finish his career on the same stage where he earned All-Star honors and delivered the most memorable performances of his basketball life.

2. A Career Defined by Resilience and Breakthrough Success

Thomas’ journey is among the most unlikely success stories in modern NBA history. Drafted with the 60th and final pick in 2011, he quickly carved out a role as a fearless scorer and playmaker. But it was his 2016–17 season with the Boston Celtics that elevated him to national prominence. That year, he averaged 28.9 points and led the Celtics to 53 wins and the Eastern Conference’s top seed. His performance placed him fifth in MVP voting and turned him into one of the league’s premier offensive weapons. But his hip injury later that year altered the trajectory of his career. After undergoing surgery, Thomas spent the next several seasons moving between teams, unable to fully recapture his All-Star form. Despite the setbacks, Thomas remained a respected figure in locker rooms across the league. His leadership, scoring instincts, and toughness allowed him to find short-term opportunities with teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Wizards, Pelicans, Mavericks, and Hornets. His most recent NBA stint came with the Phoenix Suns in 2023–24, when he appeared in six games and averaged 1.3 points while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc. The role was limited, but for Thomas, it was another step in proving he still belonged.

3. Holding Out Hope for a Final Opportunity

Even as he remains away from the league, Thomas insists his confidence has not faded. He continues to train daily, preparing for the possibility that an NBA team may seek scoring punch or veteran depth late in the season. For him, the pursuit is not simply about extending his career but about finishing the story on terms he can embrace. Thomas said he is balancing his preparation with other professional interests, but basketball remains his primary focus. He reiterated that he feels physically ready and mentally committed to returning. “I’m staying ready,” he said, maintaining that he can still compete at a high level if given a chance. For any team considering a depth addition or veteran stabilizer, Thomas presents a familiar name with proven experience, leadership, and an elite scoring pedigree—even if his prime production is no longer expected. His determination alone has kept him in the conversation. As franchises assess roster needs and injuries over the coming months, Thomas remains hopeful that one more opportunity will emerge.