New Phoenix Sun Isaiah Thomas: ‘I just felt wanted’
Jul 22, 2014, 12:21 AM | Updated: 12:22 am
The Sacramento Kings and guard Isaiah Thomas were reportedly $3-4 million apart on a new contract as the restricted free agent tested the waters in early July. A starter last season who averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 assists per game, the Kings wanted Thomas’ role going forward to be a sixth man off the bench.
Thomas agreed to a four-year deal worth $28 million with the Suns, who then sent Alex Oriakhi and a $7 million trade exemption to the Kings so they wouldn’t match the Suns’ offer sheet. Now Thomas says he’s just happy to feel the love again.
“I just felt wanted,” Thomas told Bickley and Marotta Monday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “That’s the biggest reason why I came here because I felt a genuine want for me and they wanted me for who I was and who I am.”
He didn’t feel welcome in Sacramento after the Kings signed another guard, Darren Collison, to a three-year, $16 million dollar deal two days into free agency to eat into his minutes.
The former Washington Husky is ready to use the Collison signing as motivation and take full advantage of the fresh start he has been given in Phoenix.
“It’s very disrespectful, that’s what I feel. Especially when you keep bringing players in that I don’t think are better than me and at the end of the day I always beat them out for a spot,” Thomas said. “I’ve been given the opportunity by the Phoenix Suns to come in for the next four years and progress and have successful basketball seasons and I’m going to do the best job I possibly can do.”
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