LAS VEGAS — When Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was selected for his first All-Star Game last season, he was there to soak in the experience and to continue his seemingly year-round recruiting mission.

That weekend, though, Thomas said that one All-Star had actually brought up the Celtics to him, and asked what it was like to play in Boston. At the time, Thomas did not reveal the player’s name. But on Saturday, he acknowledged that it was, in fact, Al Horford, who had clearly been thinking about joining the Celtics for some time before signing a four-year, $113 million contract with the team on Friday.

“I didn’t know he was that interested, but I knew for him to come to me and ask me that, I knew it was in the back of his head at least,’’ said Thomas, who attended the Celtics’ 71-62 summer league loss to the Bulls on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Thomas sent Horford a text message before the start of free agency, once again making it clear that he hoped to team up with him. Then last Friday he was part of Boston’s delegation that met with Horford in person.

“I wrapped that one up,’’ Thomas said, smiling. “I just didn’t want to say anything [publicly]. I knew he was coming to Boston . . . We’re a young team; we need a guy like that. And then, you can’t turn down as much money as he got.’’

Thomas is eager to start playing with Horford. He said that during the recruiting meeting, coach Brad Stevens told the four-time All-Star: “The type of player you are is what we want.’’

Stevens was referring partly to Horford’s versatility on both ends of the court. He is a big man who can space the floor with his outside shooting, and is capable of switching onto smaller guards on defense.

“He can do multiple things,’’ Thomas said. “He’s not just a pick-and-pop guy. He can pick-and-roll, he can finish at the basket, and also stretch his shooting ability out to the 3-point line. It’s just another guy that adds to the versatility of this team. I’m excited, man. I’m excited for another All-Star-caliber player to be on our team.’’

As fruitful as the meeting with Horford was, Thomas was also part of a recruiting pitch the next day that had less dazzling results.

Thomas said that when he left Boston’s meeting with superstar forward Kevin Durant, he believed that the Celtics truly had a chance to land him. Ultimately, Durant chose the Warriors, but Thomas said there are no sour grapes.

“I was upset, but at the same time, it was that man’s decision,’’ he said. “We couldn’t do anything about it but to try to get him to come to Boston, which we did. I think we did a hell of a job.’’

The trip was not a total loss, however, as Thomas finally got a chance to meet Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was part of the recruiting trip.

“I’m usually not star-struck, but that was one of those cases where you didn’t know what to ask him,’’ Thomas said. “And for him to be so down to earth, it was amazing.’’

Thomas said Brady sent him a text message later that night, and that the two intend to keep in touch. Thomas wants to attend Patriots practices “just to see how the greats prepare themselves.’’

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said on Thursday that the team is not done making moves this summer. Thomas, who has been a willing recruiter, is prepared to help however he can. He even suggested — perhaps half-jokingly — that Boston pursue his close friend Jason Terry, who turns 39 in September.

“I know there’s some shooters out there that can put the ball in the basket,’’ Thomas said, “and hopefully we can get our hands on them.’’

Thomas, who will make $6.6 million next season, has watched in awe as bench players have received massive contracts this summer thanks to the expanded salary cap. He joked that when he becomes a free agent in two years, they should “bring out the Brinks truck.’’

But he said he had no issue with players seizing a great opportunity now.

“Everybody go get all you can get, I guess,’’ he said. “It’s out there for everybody. Now we don’t have to go and play baseball, we can go get those type of deals in basketball. I mean, it’s unbelievable to see even certain guys get what they get, but at the end of the day, if it’s out there, go get it.’’

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The Celtics struggled in their loss to the Bulls, getting outrebounded, 48-28, shooting just 32.8 percent from the floor, and scoring only 24 points in the second half.

Guerschon Yabusele scored 10 points — hitting two threes — and added seven rebounds. Jaylen Brown scored 9 points but missed 10 of 13 attempts.

Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com.