The Celtics fan favorite will always love Boston

Isaiah Thomas has always expressed his love and admiration for the Celtics, even after they traded the guard in a deal that brought Kyrie Irving to Boston.

And although he wasn’t on the roster for the Celtics’ 18th Banner when they defeated Irving’s Dallas Mavericks in five games last month, Thomas took to heart what coach Joe Mazzulla said about the role former players played in the creation of Banner 18.

“I understand that I was a stepping stone in the right direction. That’s still a great feeling. Even though I’m not part of their championship team, I helped get them to where they are today,” Thomas told SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell on Sunday. “I will always love the city of Boston. I love the organization and am super grateful for the love they show me.”

After leaving Boston, Thomas never really found his rhythm with another team. He moved around a bit and didn’t play at all in the 2022-23 season. But Thomas joined the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day contract in 2023-24 and played in six games.

Although Thomas hasn’t been with the Celtics since 2017, many fans still wore his jersey during the championship duckboat parade through the streets of Boston. The gesture did not go unnoticed by Thomas.

“It means everything to me. It’s a blessing. You’d think I’d played here for 10 years, you’d think I’d won multiple championships,” he told Dalzell. “The love I have for the city is just real.”

Thomas has not yet finished his career in the NBA and it is unclear whether he will try to continue his career next season.