I.T. sighting

What is known about Cleveland guard Isaiah Thomas: He was projected to return around the new year, he warmed up with Cavaliers teammates before Thursday’s game and he has been ruled out for Christmas’ NBA Finals rematch against Golden State.

What is not known about Thomas’ return: when his Cleveland debut will be.

Thomas has not played since aggravating a hip injury during the Eastern Conference finals in late May.

Two appropriate return nights could be when Cleveland plays Wednesday at Sacramento, his NBA home for his first three seasons, or Jan. 2 when Cleveland next plays at home.

In his behind-the-scenes “Book of Isaiah II” series on the Players Tribune, Thomas revealed his reaction to getting the August trade news from Boston president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

“What are you talking about?” Thomas said on the video shortly after returning to his Seattle home from a wedding anniversary trip. “My kids about to start school. Off the strength, after everything I went through .... Like no, you’re not supposed to do that. But it’s … I mean, if that’s what he wants. Danny’s like that. But I mean, I’m not trippin’. It’s just crazy that they would do that. Like, I’m not mad. … I’d be mad if I went to a weak-ass team. But it’s like, we gonna win the Finals anyway. Like, that’s what’s crazy. But it’s just like, damn, after all I do for … the city gonna be mad as .... ”