2) Chicago Bulls playmaking PG FA targets
Isaiah Thomas
Another potential veteran option that Karnisovas and the Bulls could look into in the near future if they want help among offensively capable point guards is the former Boston Celtic and the 32-year-old Washington Huskies product Isaiah Thomas. This undersized but potent 5-foot-9 and 185 pound ninth-year point guard is also one of the more recognizable names on the open market right now.
Now having played for eight different teams in his NBA career to date, IT is becoming a real journeyman around the league’s landscape. The last team that Thomas played for was the Washington Wizards, for 40 games last season (all but three of which he started in).
And last season with the Wizards, IT averaged 12.2 points per game, 1.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks. IT shot 40.8 percent from the field, an efficient 41.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.6 percent from the free-throw line.
With IT having multiple efficient outings as recent as last season, he definitely deserves a shot elsewhere. But it was the Wizards that traded him down the stretch last season, prior to the pause, that led to the Los Angeles Clippers cutting him.
The two-time NBA All-Star selection, one-time All-NBA Team selection, and 2011-12 All-Rookie Team honoree, could have another solid run in the Eastern Conference this year if the Bulls were to give him a chance.
A lot of the concerns that IT’s game was waning greatly were cast aside during his run with the Wizards last year. He might be able to replicate his valuable efforts to contribute in a big way if a team like the Bulls gave him a chance this season.