How Isaiah Thomas’ 2015 Trade Changed Celtics History Forever

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The Boston Celtics’ trajectory changed dramatically after the February 2015 trade that brought Isaiah Thomas to Boston. At the time, few could have predicted how this move would alter the franchise’s future, but in hindsight, it’s clear that the acquisition was a pivotal moment for the team. Fast forward to today, and the Celtics are once again a legitimate title contender. However, the Celtics’ success today wouldn’t be possible without the impact of Thomas, who played a key role in turning the franchise around after years of rebuilding.

A Turning Point for the Celtics

On February 19, 2015, the Boston Celtics made a trade that appeared relatively modest at first. The Celtics acquired Isaiah Thomas, a 5-foot-9 guard from the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for Marcus Thornton and a 2016 first-round pick who eventually became Skal Labissiere. At the time, Thomas was a solid bench player for the Suns, averaging 15.1 points per game, but nothing about the trade seemed destined to make waves across the league.

However, that perception would quickly change. When Thomas arrived in Boston, he injected energy and confidence into a team that was still recovering from the departure of the Big Three—Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. What initially seemed like a minor move soon became a game-changer for the Celtics’ future.

The Celtics were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but the addition of Thomas, along with other key role players, would set the team on the path to contention. Fast forward to the present, and the Celtics are once again seen as a top contender in the NBA. Their odds for the 2025 NBA title currently sit at +225 at most overseas sports toto platforms, showcasing their renewed strength and promise. With a dedicated fan base of basketball enthusiasts and sports bettors watching these odds, the Celtics are likely to do well this year.

The Celtics’ future success, and even their current standing, owes much to the spark ignited by the acquisition of Thomas.

Isaiah Thomas Transforms the Celtics

After the trade, Isaiah Thomas didn’t just fit into the Celtics’ system—he thrived. In the second half of the 2014-15 season, Thomas elevated his game, averaging 19 points per game and helping lead the Celtics to a 20-11 record down the stretch. The turnaround was remarkable, especially considering that the Celtics had won only 25 games the previous season. Thomas’ performance played a major role in getting the Celtics into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.

During the following 2015-16 season, Thomas took on an even larger role, becoming the Celtics’ starting point guard. He finished the season averaging 22.2 points per game, earning his first All-Star selection. Despite the Celtics being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks, Thomas had firmly established himself as the leader of a resurging Celtics squad.

However, it was the 2016-17 season that truly cemented Thomas’ place in Celtics lore. He posted a career-best 28.9 points per game—second only to Larry Bird for the highest single-season scoring average by a Celtics player. His offensive production was instrumental in leading the Celtics to 53 wins, marking their first 50-win season since the departure of the Big Three.

Playoff Heroics: The Thomas Legacy

Isaiah Thomas became an unforgettable figure during the 2017 playoffs, with his clutch performances etched into Celtics history. In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Washington Wizards, Thomas exploded for 53 points, a performance that remains one of the most iconic in Celtics playoff history. Then, in the critical Game 7 of the series, Thomas scored 29 points to help propel the Celtics to a hard-fought victory and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Although the Celtics’ postseason run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals and Thomas’ tenure in Boston came to a close when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal for Kyrie Irving, his impact on the franchise was undeniable. Thomas’ time in Boston was brief—just two and a half seasons—but the mark he left on the team and the city would have lasting effects.

Establishing a New Culture

When Isaiah Thomas arrived in Boston, the Celtics were in the midst of rebuilding. After the dissolution of the Big Three, the team struggled to regain its former glory. Enter Thomas, a player with unmatched passion and an indomitable spirit. He quickly became the face of the team, leading by example and helping to establish a new identity for the Celtics.

Thomas’ leadership, along with key contributions from players like Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder, helped cultivate a tough, gritty team ethos. Despite a lack of elite talent, the Celtics became known for their work ethic and resilience, with Thomas serving as the embodiment of that spirit.

As the team began to win more games and develop a competitive edge, it became a more attractive destination for free agents. In the summer of 2016, Al Horford signed a four-year, $113 million deal with the Celtics, marking a significant moment in the team’s rebuilding efforts. Horford’s arrival helped set the stage for other big signings, such as Gordon Hayward in 2017, and began to shift the Celtics back into title contention.

The Domino Effect: Long-Term Impact

Though Thomas was traded away in 2017, his influence on the Celtics’ trajectory remained. His presence helped to change the perception of the team. No longer a rebuilding squad, the Celtics had become a playoff contender, and they were poised to attract high-caliber free agents and build a title-worthy roster.

Since Thomas’ departure, the Celtics have gone through several roster changes and have developed homegrown talents like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown into superstars. The Celtics’ current success, which culminated in their 2024 championship win, can be traced back to the foundation that Thomas helped establish. Without his leadership and his ability to turn the team into a playoff contender, the Celtics may not have been in the position to attract the talent that would eventually carry them to a championship.