NBA free agent Isaiah Thomas weighed in on the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx’s WNBA championship-deciding Game 5 matchup on Sunday. Shortly after, the X/Twitter parody account WNBA Centel trolled the veteran point guard, taking a jab at his self-professed desire to extend his career.
New York defeated Minnesota 67-62 in overtime, capturing its first title in franchise history via a 3-2 finals victory. Afterward, Thomas seemingly hinted that the contest’s officiating was lopsided in the Liberty’s favor.
“They lowkey cheated for New York, but I get it, LOL,” Thomas tweeted.
Among the most prominent responses was WNBA Centel, which quipped that the Lynx could benefit from adding Thomas for point guard depth.
“I hear the Lynx need a point guard,” WNBA Centel tweeted.
Isaiah Thomas has struggled to find a long-term NBA home since the Boston Celtics traded him in 2017. He has bounced around the league, playing for eight franchises from the 2017-18 campaign to last season.
After going unsigned during the 2022-23 campaign, Thomas suited up in only six outings for the Phoenix Suns last season after being signed midseason. He was primarily limited to garbage time minutes, averaging 1.3 points and 0.5 assists, shooting 30.0% in 3.2 minutes per game.
Phoenix didn’t retain Thomas this offseason. However, the two-time All-Star has persistently called for more opportunities to prove himself.
“Only need one team, one chance! Impact winning no matter what. Professional as they come AND got REAL DEAL HOOP GAME if the opportunity is there!!!! Stay the course,” Thomas tweeted in July.
However, Thomas didn’t acknowledge WNBA Centel’s satirical suggestion that he join the Lynx.
Isaiah Thomas on his motivation to extend his NBA career
Last month, Isaiah Thomas touched on his motivation to keep seeking NBA opportunities despite his age (35) and injury history.
According to Thomas, he relishes the challenge of attempting to defy the odds and earn a spot in the league.
“I just enjoy the process, but I know what I’m fighting against,” Thomas said.
“I understand it, but I’ve had that same fight my whole life. This is just normal to me. It’s just another stage I have to get by. I really want to just play two or three more years and then focus on my kids. That’s the ultimate goal, and we’re just going to keep fighting until the end.”
Thomas appears unlikely to land a new contract in time for the 2024-25 NBA campaign’s Tuesday start date. However, perhaps he can earn another midseason deal.
Regardless, the 5-foot-9 guard has enjoyed remarkable success for his size. In addition to making two All-Star appearances, he placed fifth in MVP voting during the 2016-17 season with Boston, garnering All-NBA second team honors. Thus, he ranks among the most successful under-6-foot players in league history.
