The New Orleans Pelicans would sign base owner Isaiah Thomas on a 10-day contract, sources told ESPN.
Thomas has not played an NBA game since February 3, 2020 with the Washington Wizards. He played two games with the U.S. team in February, leading the team in scoring in FIBA qualifying wins over the Bahamas and Mexico while shooting 50% from 3 points (6 of 12).
During the 2019-20 season, Thomas averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 assists in 40 games with the Wizards.
Thomas, 32, is a two-time All-Star and was selected in the All-NBA second team in 2017 after averaging 28.9 points per game for the Boston Celtics and helping them be the first seed of the Conference East.
But a hip injury Thomas suffered this season has held him back ever since.
Sources said Thomas has been in New Orleans undergoing COVID-19 testing, which will allow him to join the team immediately. The deal is expected to end on Saturday, clearing the way for Thomas to join the Pelicans ahead of Sunday’s game in Houston.
The Pelicans needed to sign one player before Saturday to meet the 14-player requirement on an NBA roster. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Pelicans are $ 346,000 below the luxury tax, so 10-day contracts work best for the team in the short term.
New Orleans has been plagued by injuries and will not have four players Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks. Zion Williamson (right thumb sprain) and Brandon Ingram (big toe joint, right foot irritation) will miss their second consecutive games; Lonzo Ball (right hip flexor distension) will miss his sixth consecutive game; and Josh Hart, who twisted his thumb against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, is also out.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst contributed to this report.