Isaiah Thomas became one of the highest paid point guards in the league during his peak NBA years, earning substantial salaries and endorsement income. Understanding how much Isaiah Thomas made in the NBA requires looking at his contracts team by team and year by year.
Below is a detailed breakdown of his earnings, including contract values, averages, and key milestones that shaped his financial profile.
| Season | Team | Salary | Contract Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | Sacramento Kings | $902,000 | Rookie Scale |
| 2014-15 | Sacramento Kings | $2,494,240 | 3-Year Extension |
| 2015-16 | Boston Celtics | $5,861,002 | Trade Acquisition |
| 2016-17 | Boston Celtics | $10,965,893 | 4-Year Max Contract |
| 2017-18 | Boston Celtics | $12,072,325 | Max Contract |
| 2017-18 | Washington Wizards | $5,218,599 | Trade Mid-Salary |
| 2018-19 | Washington Wizards | $9,287,138 | Multi-Year Deal |
| 2019-20 | L.A. Lakers | $3,222,726 | Short-Term Veteran |
Rising Salary Trajectory in Sacramento
Isaiah Thomas began his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings after going undrafted in 2011. His early years were marked by limited minutes and modest pay, but he steadily proved his value. By his third season, he had already become a full-time starter and was rewarded with a contract extension that reflected his growth.
2014-15 Breakout Season
During the 2014-15 campaign, Thomas averaged 17.9 points and 6.9 assists per game while leading the Kings to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. His performance helped him secure a three-year, $26 million extension, raising his annual earnings well above the league minimum.
Maximum Money with the Boston Celtics
In 2015, the Boston Celtics acquired Isaiah Thomas in a blockbuster trade, and he quickly became the face of the franchise. His contract with Boston was rich in both performance and financial terms, reaching the highest levels in the league.
2016-17 Max Contract
Thomas signed a four-year, $153 million maximum contract in the summer of 2016. This deal pushed his annual salary to over $10 million by the 2016-17 season and over $12 million the following year, making him one of the top earners at his position.
Later Career and Veteran Deals
After injury struggles in Boston, Thomas was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he continued to command a high salary due to his veteran leadership and playmaking ability. He later had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, taking a significant pay cut to remain competitive.
Earnings Across Teams at a Glance
| Team | Tenure | Peak Annual Salary | Total Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento Kings | 2011-2016 | $2,494,240 | |
| Boston Celtics | 2015-2017 | $12,072,325 | |
| Washington Wizards | 2017-2019 | $9,287,138 | |
| L.A. Lakers | 2019-2020 | $3,222,726 |
Key Takeaways
- Isaiah Thomas reached a career-high salary of $12.07 million with the Boston Celtics in 2017-18.
- His rookie year salary with the Sacramento Kings was under $1 million.
- He commanded a veteran maximum contract after establishing himself as an elite point guard.
- Injuries and team decisions led to reduced earnings during his Lakers season.
- His total NBA earnings are heavily front-loaded, with the majority coming during his Celtics years.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much did Isaiah Thomas earn in his highest paying season?
$12,072,325 in 2017-18 with the Boston Celtics on his maximum contract.
What was Isaiah Thomas salary with the Washington Wizards?
$5,218,599 in 2017-8 and $9,287,138 in 2018-19 during his time with Washington.
Did Isaiah Thomas take a pay cut to join the Lakers?
Yes, he earned $3,222,726 in 2019-20 with the Lakers, significantly less than his Wizards salary.
What was Isaiah Thomas rookie salary with the Kings?
$902,000 in his first season (2011-12) under a standard rookie scale contract.