New Orleans Pelicans has not signed Isaiah Thomas to the second 10-day contract at this point, the source says

by

1:51 p.m. ET

  • Andrew LopezESPN

Isaiah Thomas’ 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans has expired and the team has no immediate plans to sign him to a second deal, a source told ESPN Tuesday morning.

However, Thomas could be in the Pelicans’ plans at a later date.

New Orleans has two weeks before it has to add a new player to the squad – on a 10-day contract or for the remainder of the season. Due to luxury tax reasons, the team could choose to wait the full two weeks before adding a player. Recent injuries to guards Josh Hart (torn UCL in right thumb) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (high ankle sprain left) could force the Pelicans to move in a different direction once they make that signature.

On Monday, New Orleans added James Nunnally, a 6-foot-7 wing, to a two-way contract to help fill that void.

Thomas played in three games with New Orleans, averaging 7.7 points. He received an exciting ovation from fans as he checked in for Monday’s win over the Sacramento Kings – his only home game with New Orleans that he played.

“I’ve never met an experienced man who was more grateful for a chance to play in the league in my entire time in the league. He’s been incredible here,” said Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy after Monday’s game. “To see him go in, even for a few minutes, take a shot, get the fans’ appreciation, I hope he heard. A lot of times you don’t when you’re playing there. hope he heard it I hope he enjoyed it because he definitely deserved it.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to coach him even for a very short time.”

After the game, Thomas came on the court for about 25-30 minutes to make extra shots before retiring to the locker room.

Pelicans Forward Brandon Ingram called Thomas “the ultimate professional.”

“He just came in and did his job when he got into the game of basketball, as well as on the bench,” said Ingram. “He gave advice, talked to our younger boys and encouraged us whether he was in or not. That’s a big part of our team too.”

Source