Here’s the timeline of Isaiah Thomas going from a potential max contract player to the veteran’s minimum with the Denver Nuggets in a little more than a year.

May 20, 2017: Thomas ruled out of playoffs with hip injury

After playing the day after his sister’s death and then through dental surgery earlier in the playoffs for the Celtics, Thomas has to be shut down due to a hip injury.

June 26, 2017: Thomas finishes fifth in MVP voting

Thomas is recognised for a season in which he averaged 28.9 points, 5.9 assists and 46.3 per cent shooting to lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s a remarkable achievement for a player who stands under six feet and was drafted with the last pick in 2011.

August 22, 2017: Thomas is traded to the Cavaliers for Irving

Boston send Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving. Thomas’ concerning physical, which reveals how serious his hip injury is, delays the trade before Boston throw in a second-round pick to complete it.

January 2, 2018: Thomas make his debut with the Cavaliers

Thomas finally returns to the court following months of recovery and looks good while scoring 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

February 8, 2018: Thomas is traded to the Lakers

After struggling to find his rhythm and role with the Cavaliers, Thomas is moved to Los Angeles, where he comes off the bench to average 15.6 points on 38.3 per cent shooting.

March 28, 2018: Thomas undergoes hip surgery

Thomas has arthroscopic surgery on his right hip to clean up inflammatory debris from the injury suffered the previous year. The procedure ends his season after 32 games played between the Cavaliers and Lakers, with a four-month recovery time expected.

July 13, 2018: Thomas agrees to a one-year deal with Denver

The Denver Nuggets finally take a chance on Thomas with a one-year, $2 million deal after no other teams jump at the opportunity to sign the former All-Star in free agency. Thomas joins his former coach in Sacramento, Mike Malone, and a team with playoff aspirations.