Isaiah Thomas has yet to take the floor at TD Garden since his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the summer of 2017. The diminutive guard was beloved in Boston and his time since the trade has been extremely tumultuous. There's no doubt he'll get a standing ovation when he finally makes his return to the parquet.
Isaiah Thomas and the Nuggets come to TD Garden on March 18 for what would be Thomas' first game played in Boston since the trade.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) August 10, 2018
Thomas was an MVP candidate in his final season in Boston and led the Celtics on a playoff run that nearly landed them a spot in the NBA Finals. The point guard was a fan favorite in Beantown and the Celtic faithful still hold a special place in their hearts for IT.
After the 2016-17 season, it looked like Thomas would command a max contract in the summer of 2018. But unfortunately, after a failed stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and a host of injury problems, Thomas was forced to settle for far less than a max deal.
In fact, Thomas signed a one-year deal worth $2 million with the Denver Nuggets with the hope that he can have a bounce-back season and cash in next summer.
But this meeting between the Nuggets and the Celtics won't be Thomas' first appearance in TD Garden since the trade that brought Kyrie Irving to Boston. His original return caused controversy when the team planned to play a video tribute to Thomas, but Paul Pierce felt slighted because it was the same night as his jersey retirement ceremony.
Isaiah Thomas thanked the Celtics for the offer, but declined out of respect to Pierce.
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