Isaiah Thomas Signs with the Nuggets

Another day, another free agency signing. This time, the signing involves an explosive scorer who, when healthy, can help contribute to team.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Isaiah Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Denver Nuggets. The deal is a one-year, $2 million deal, which is the vet minimum.

Isaiah Thomas's deal with the Nuggets comes after a brief stint with the Lakers. Thomas was traded at the trade deadline to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was one of seven players to be traded by the Cavs in three trade deadline deals. He was traded alongside Channing Frye and a first-round pick in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., two young players beneficial for the Cavs future post LeBron James.

Prior to the trade, Thomas played 15 games for the Cavaliers before he was traded. He sat out at the beginning of the season due to a hip injury. He returned to the Cavs as they were struggling (with chemistry issues) midway through the season. He averaged 14.7 points during his time with the Cavs. Thomas joined the Cavs after the Celtics traded him. During last year's off-season, the Cavs and Celtics agreed to a deal that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics. The Cavs sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a first-round pick (that became Colin Sexton). Thomas was traded twice in one season, which could be somewhat discouraging for a player. Thomas went to the Lakers where he finished his season.

Isaiah Thomas played 17 games for the Lakers. He averaged 15.6 points in those games, but his season was cut short. At the end of March, the Lakers ruled out Thomas for the rest of the 2017-2018. What a way to finish an already up and down season.

Thomas went from averaging a career-high 28.9 points per game with the Boston Celtics in 2016-2017 to an season with several setbacks. This is a tough predicament, but for a player like Isaiah Thomas, he will likely be up for the challenge.

His deal with the Nuggets is somewhat of a pay cut. Thomas made $6,261,395 in the 2017-2018 season. Thomas was arguably on the verge of a max deal (or at least close to one) after his last season with the Celtics. A max deal is the type of deal a player like LeBron James gets. For example, James just signed with the Lakers for four-years for $154 million. James will make $35,654,150 and his earnings will increase every season. Am I saying that Thomas (even a healthy one) is worth that much? No, but I do believe with the right team, he would have had a solid payday. While the deal with the Nuggets is under what he's worth, it cannot be disputed—at least, until he gets healthy and plays to his expectations.

The deal works for the Nuggets because it is a high-reward, low-risk scenario. The Nuggets receive a dynamic scorer (at the risk of sounding like a broken record) when healthy for a low price. If the Isaiah Thomas experience doesn't work, it is only for one year. So, the Nuggets aren't risking much. This is potentially a win-win situation for both the Nuggets and Isaiah Thomas.

As a fan, I wondered when and if Isaiah Thomas would sign with a team. Earlier in the off-season, he spoke with the Orlando Magic, but nothing came out of it. Now, Isaiah Thomas can let out a sigh of relief. He is signed with a team and has another opportunity to prove what he's capable of. It is up to him to make the best of it.