The Sacramento Kings are set to host a group of NBA veterans, including former All-NBA guard Isaiah Thomas, for an offseason workout this week, according to Sean Cunningham of Fox 40. The workout, which signals the Kings’ ongoing search for potential depth additions, comes just two months before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Isaiah Thomas, now 35, is perhaps the most intriguing name among those invited. Drafted by the Kings in 2011, Thomas spent his first three seasons in Sacramento, where he quickly became a fan favourite with his gritty play and scoring ability.
After parting ways with the Kings, Thomas reached the pinnacle of his career with the Boston Celtics, where he earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2017. However, since 2019, Thomas has been on a journeyman path, playing for six different NBA teams, often under 10-day contracts. His most recent stint was with the Phoenix Suns, where he appeared in six games this past spring.
Despite his extensive experience and previous success, Thomas faces long odds of securing a roster spot with the Kings, especially given the team’s current backcourt depth. The Kings, who finished third in the Western Conference last season, already have a crowded backcourt led by De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Davion Mitchell. However, the team could see value in Thomas’s veteran leadership and scoring punch off the bench if he impresses in the workout.
Joining Thomas in Sacramento this week are three other players with varying levels of NBA experience: Lonnie Walker IV, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Tony Bradley.
Lonnie Walker IV is perhaps the most likely candidate to secure a role with the Kings. The 25-year-old guard is coming off a solid season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 9.7 points on 42.3% shooting from the field. Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, Walker could provide valuable depth on the wing, especially if the Kings are looking to bolster their bench ahead of a long season.
Juan Toscano-Anderson returns to Sacramento hoping to stick this time around. The versatile forward spent a brief stint with the Kings last season, appearing in 11 games before being waived. Toscano-Anderson is best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he played from 2019 to 2022 and was part of the 2022 NBA Championship team. His defensive versatility and high basketball IQ could make him an appealing option for head coach Mike Brown, particularly in a bench role.
Tony Bradley, a 6-foot-10 center, rounds out the group. Bradley last appeared in the NBA during the 2022-23 season and spent last year with the Texas Legends, the G-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Known for his rebounding and interior presence, Bradley could potentially fill a need for additional size in the Kings’ frontcourt, particularly if the team seeks to add depth behind starting center Domantas Sabonis.
With the NBA season fast approaching, the Kings still have time to evaluate their roster and make final adjustments. While the odds may be against Thomas landing a spot given his recent journeyman status, the workout could serve as a final opportunity for the veteran guard to show his remaining skills. For the other invitees, a strong showing could earn them a place on a Kings team that is aiming to build on last season’s success and make a deep playoff run.
