Former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas announced on September 6 he wants to play a season overseas, signaling he's not ready to end his playing career. The 37-year-old, who currently works as a pro and college scout for Boston, posted his intentions on social media platform X. This comes as the Celtics look to rebound from a recent 100-109 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on May 2, 2026, part of a recent form of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games.
What did Isaiah Thomas announce?
Thomas made his announcement clear on X. "I want to hoop overseas for a year!!! I want that experience! And to cook them boys over that water," he wrote. In a later post, he added, "Take this SLOW GRIND to another country and go crazy!!!!!!!!" These posts show his competitive drive remains strong. There is no current deal with an international club, so this is an expression of desire, not a confirmed move.
His announcement is notable because he only recently returned to the Celtics in an official capacity. The team hired him as a scout in May. According to The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach, Thomas works primarily from Seattle, evaluating West Coast players. He even participated in the 2026 NBA Draft, calling in the selection of Dillon Mitchell for the Celtics.
Why isn't Thomas ready to stop playing?
Thomas has been open about the difficulty of transitioning away from the court. On his "Point Game" podcast in May, he said, "This has not been the easiest transition, first and foremost, because I can still play at a high level." His new role seemed to start his post-playing career, but his latest social media activity reinforces he still sees himself as a player.
He isn't just talking about the past. Thomas is publicly floating a specific plan: one season playing basketball outside the United States. He's simultaneously beginning a potential long-term front office career. This dual path is unique for a player of his stature.
What has Thomas done recently to keep playing?
Thomas's determination isn't new. He last played in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns late in the 2023-24 season, appearing in six regular-season games. After that, he returned to the G League. In January 2025, he played for the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz's affiliate.
During a previous 2024 stint with the Stars, he averaged 32.5 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds over four games. An overseas move would be different for him. Eurohoops reported on September 6 that Thomas has been linked to EuroLeague possibilities before but never made the jump. His entire pro career has been focused on the NBA.
Why does this matter for Boston Celtics fans?
Thomas's connection to Boston makes his next steps interesting for fans. His peak with the Celtics remains the high point of his career. During the 2016-17 NBA season, the 5-foot-9 guard averaged a career-best 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game.
He led Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals and earned All-NBA Second Team honors. That memorable run ended nearly nine years ago. His current role and future plans keep him connected to the franchise. Fans can follow the team's progress, including their current roster and upcoming schedule, on the official roster and schedule pages.
The Celtics' own performance provides context. Their last result was a 100-109 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on May 2, 2026. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses, having lost their last three consecutive games before those wins. As the team works on its consistency, stories like Thomas's remind fans of past glory and present transitions within the organization.
