Isaiah Thomas Didn't Care About Money with Nuggets, 'I Just Wanted to Be Wanted'

Denver Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas said Monday the desire to feel wanted led him to sign with the Nuggets in free agency.

After officially inking his contract, Thomas told NBA.com's Christopher Dempsey, "I just wanted to be wanted. Being wanted is half the battle. When somebody wants you as bad as you want that opportunity, it sort of always works out."

Thomas went on to explain money didn't play a significant role in his decision:

"The thing that I wanted was the opportunity to play, the opportunity to show who I am again, show the world what I bring to the table. And, at the same time, just being able to have that opportunity. I didn't care about the money. I didn't care about none of that. I cared about being able to showcase my skills and be in a good environment. I don't know too many players on this team, but from the outside, looking in it seems like they love playing with each other and they love being around each other and they had a good atmosphere and I wanted to be a part of that."

Thomas inked a one-year deal worth nearly $2.03 million with the Nuggets.

The 29-year-old Thomas suffered through a nightmarish 2017-18 season that saw him get off to a late start because of a hip injury.

Thomas appeared in just 15 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers before they dealt him to the Los Angeles Lakers before the February 8 trade deadline.

In 32 contests, Thomas averaged 15.2 points, 4.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent from the field.

Thomas spent the previous two-plus years with the Boston Celtics and put up huge numbers in the process.

He was a two-time All-Star in Boston, and in 2016-17 he averaged a remarkable 28.9 points per game.

Thomas appeared destined for a max contract, but hip ailments derailed him and forced him to sign a bargain-basement deal with the Nuggets.

In Denver, he'll join a stacked backcourt that includes Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Will Barton.

That likely means Thomas won't be a regular starter, but if he is healthier, then he could be a huge contributor off the bench, which would go a long way toward improving his value on the open market next offseason.