Seattle looking for salary cap relief and making Thomas available

[MoSpur]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/351829_sonx19.html

Thomas' future uncertain now
Center might be moved with Swift role likely to grow
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER

Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo refused to say what the fate of veteran center Kurt Thomas is now that it has been decided that Robert Swift will receive increased playing time.

Carlesimo tabled those potential lineup changes Monday for later in the week, perhaps following Friday's home game with the Portland Trail Blazers, but one thing that's been established is Swift will become part of the rotation, likely cutting into Thomas' playing time.

Thomas, 35, is in the final months of a contract that pays him $8 million. He has produced beyond expectations for Seattle and could help a playoff-contending club. And at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, there appeared to be interest in Thomas by a few teams, including the Orlando Magic, which is in need of a power forward.

The Magic has three expiring contracts that would fit well with Thomas' $8 million salary. The salaries of guards Carlos Arroyo ($4 million) and Keyon Dooling ($3.6 million) and forward Pat Garrity ($3.8 million) could fit into a two-player package to acquire Thomas and still allow the Sonics the same salary cap relief in the summer.

Thomas said he has enjoyed his time in Seattle.

"It's been great here. My teammates have been outstanding. The coaches have been great here," he said. "The organization has been great, the fans. The city is beautiful up here. So I have really enjoyed myself."

The question is whether the Sonics would want Thomas to play a reduced role for the final 31 games or will they move him to a contender out of gratitude for his hard work and mentorship with the team's younger players.

Carlesimo said last week the Sonics want to take a long look at their big men -- Swift and Johan Petro -- and he won't use a five-man rotation at center and power forward. The two players in that mix who won't lose playing time are Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison, meaning Thomas is almost certain to spend more time on the bench.

"It's going to be more dramatic with the (big men) because we haven't had a chance to look at those guys," Carlesimo said. "I haven't figured out (what happens to Thomas) and more importantly I haven't talked to Kurt or Robert about it, or Johan. We're not going to juggle five guys, I will tell you that. It will be lesser guys. That's part of what we haven't figured out."

So with a five-man rotation out of the question and Swift and Petro still young and unproven, and Wilcox and Collison being mainstays, it appears Thomas is out and perhaps could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline.

[Holt's Cat]

Hmmm.

[anakha]

Interesting.

[yavozerb]

The guy sucks...Barry has way more value to this time than Thomas would..

[Sigz]

The guy sucks...Barry has way more value to this time than Thomas would..

What value does Barry have with an injured calf muscle in his leg?


Thomas would come right in and help the REBOUNDING and BLOCKING that we need..

[dougp]

The guy sucks...Barry has way more value to this time than Thomas would..
A legitimate, defense oriented bigman who works hard and is the BEST person to defend Duncan sucks? So I guess Park, Manu and Tim are just OK by your standards also?

Elson + Bonner for KT! heh ... don't even know if that matches up, just want to see Bonner gone - the Red Rocket hasn't left the launch pad like last post season.

[MoSpur]

I would like someone like Haslem instead, but I think he's better than Elson and Bonner

[Ghost Writer]

Why can't PJ hook us up?

[BacktoBasics]

Seems logical. Old, nearing death, mildly productive. This is almost picture perfect of what SA loves to bring in.

[anakha]

Why can't Presti hook us up?

Fixed.

[SouthernFried]

In a heartbeat...

[T Park]

get It Done

[E20]

Elson, Barry, + Draft picks for Durant.

It would work out for both teams.

[MoSpur]

It would take Elson's contract and more than likely Barry's contract to match. I still think Barry can help the Spurs.

[dougp]

I would like someone like Haslem instead, but I think he's better than Elson and Bonner
Oh, who wouldn't prefer Haslem? But it unfortunately wouldn't strengthen one of our more vulnerable positions, where as in our 3 we at least have Ime and Barry when needed. Elson & Bonner don't even show up ... so we really only have Fabs and Horry at center and PF backup.

[phyzik]

Do it...



Do it...

[MoSpur]

Oh, who wouldn't prefer Haslem? But it unfortunately wouldn't strengthen one of our more vulnerable positions, where as in our 3 we at least have Ime and Barry when needed. Elson & Bonner don't even show up ... so we really only have Fabs and Horry at center and PF backup.

Don't get me wrong. I'd prefer Thomas over Elson and Bonner and Horry. I just would much rather have Haslem than Thomas.

[BonnerDynasty]

A legitimate, defense oriented bigman who works hard and is the BEST person to defend Duncan sucks? So I guess Park, Manu and Tim are just OK by your standards also?

Elson + Bonner for KT! heh ... don't even know if that matches up, just want to see Bonner gone - the Red Rocket hasn't left the launch pad like last post season.

Funny how everyone still thinks KT can shut down TD. I'd probably give BEST to Sheed.

[ss1986v2]

Don't get me wrong. I'd prefer Thomas over Elson and Bonner and Horry. I just would much rather have Haslem than Thomas.
same would i. but lets go on the assumption this is "plan q" for the spurs, and every other team has turned down every other offer from the spurs. just look at the package: is it worth it?

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I would pursue Diop before Thomas

[MoSpur]

If they're willing to trade Wilcox, then I am up for that as well.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

This would be a damn good move, but not as good as Artest



but I again just can't see the Spurs FO pull off something this good

[Supergirl]

I'd like to see Elson + Barry for Thomas.

Wouldn't want to give up anyone else. I don't really want to give up Barry, but he's injured right now and our best trading asset, since he's got an expiring contract.

[Supergirl]

Funny how everyone still thinks KT can shut down TD. I'd probably give BEST to Sheed.

Oh, absolutely. I've said for years that Sheed is the best at defending TD.

[nkdlunch]

trade barry + elson for him.

then when barry is dumped, he can resign with us

[MoSpur]

trade barry + elson for him.

then when barry is dumped, he can resign with us

ala Jerry Stackhouse and the Dallas Mavericks. Oops

[Steve-O-Matic]

What this article fails to mention is that Thomas' contract itself is an expiring contract, so simply trading expiring contracts back to Seattle in return isn't going to get the deal done. The Sonics are going to require at least a 1st round pick (if not more), and all things being equal, they would be least likely to accept the Spurs' offer if they get the same offer from another team since the Spurs would be expected to have a lower pick in the round(s) than their trade competition.

[MoSpur]

I think they're more likely to trade Thomas to a contender.

[Solid D]

This just in...Spurs sponsor H.E.B. Grocery Co. has nixed the proposed trade including Brent Barry. :smokin

[FromWayDowntown]

The Sonics brass is quite aware of what the Spurs' guys can or can't do. Thomas would seem to be a perfect fit with this Spurs team, but Presti & Co aren't likely to do the Spurs any real favors without getting something of value in return, which I would think would mean someone in the farm system at least.

[ChumpDumper]

The more I read about it, the more I think Thomas is not going to be traded and will be bought out and allowed to choose the team he wants to play for. In that case, we'll be in competition with the Mavs and who knows who else.

[ApolloCreed]

The more I read about it, the more I think Thomas is not going to be traded and will be bought out and allowed to choose the team he wants to play for. In that case, we'll be in competition with the Mavs and who knows who else.

Probably Phoenix.

[ChumpDumper]

Probably Phoenix.Nah, they have Shaq. I'm not sure Thomas would want to go back to the team that traded him for nothing.

[Spurminator]

As I see it, we're the title contender that could offer Kurt Thomas the most minutes. It would be a win-win for him and for the Spurs.

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, we have the advantage of repeatedly knocking his teams out of the playoffs -- so there's probably a respect factor there.

He is from Dallas, though.

[tav1]

The more I read about it, the more I think Thomas is not going to be traded and will be bought out and allowed to choose the team he wants to play for. In that case, we'll be in competition with the Mavs and who knows who else.

I hadn't considered a Thomas buy out, but that would be an absolute dream scenario for the Spurs. I think they'd be the front runners to land Kurt Thomas and might still be able to deal Barry and/or Elson. You've single handedly ruined my concentration for the day--I'll be in fantasy GM mode until night fall.

[SenorSpur]

I would pursue Diop before Thomas

Me too. Thomas is a superb defender and has a very accomplished offensive game. Meanwhile, Diop is a superb post defender in his own right. Plus he has the size and shotblocking ability that the Spurs will need to matchup against the "suddenly-taller" teams like the Suns and Fakers.

[Holt's Cat]

Diop could be a very useful reserve for the next 3 to 5 years.

[MoSpur]

I doubt a buyout will happen, because Seattle would like to get something for him. They don't need to trade him though. Its not like they're in playoff contention.

[ChumpDumper]

Well sure, but the question is whether the Nets want to keep Diop? He could be a nice complement to a healthy Krstic going into the future.

[ChumpDumper]

I doubt a buyout will happen, because Seattle would like to get something for him. They don't need to trade him though. Its not like they're in playoff contention.So they want to get something for him, but don't need to trade him?

I'm sure they would like to get something for him, but the question is what do other teams want to give up to rent him for a couple of months?

[ludda]

I remember reading an article from a Seattle newspaper that indicated that if the Mavs got Kidd they would be actively pursuing KT.

[ChumpDumper]

Now if Seattle was willing to take back salary I would think the sky would be the limit for potential trades, but they aren't. They are already overloaded with crappy young players they don't really know what to do with, so I don't know what taking on more players is actually going to to for them.

The best thing about a Thomas trade for us is that we could have a reasonable expectation that they would buyout a guy like Barry and let him come back to the Spurs for the playoffs.

[MoSpur]

So they want to get something for him, but don't need to trade him?

I'm sure they would like to get something for him, but the question is what do other teams want to give up to rent him for a couple of months?

What I'm saying is that Seattle would more than likely like to trade him to get picks for the future. I doubt that they simply buy him out. However, its not unrealistic because its not like Seattle is playing for the playoffs.

[AFBlue]

The more I read about it, the more I think Thomas is not going to be traded and will be bought out and allowed to choose the team he wants to play for. In that case, we'll be in competition with the Mavs and who knows who else.

Agree with Chump, unless the Spurs throw in a sweetner. If the Spurs were to offer Mahinmi, a Presti pick, in exchange for Thomas and say Gelabale or Petro I think the Spurs could get it done.

[T Park]

If Thomas goes to the Mavericks, then its time to panic.

[Manu_Ginobili]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/351829_sonx19.html

Thomas' future uncertain now
Center might be moved with Swift role likely to grow
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER

Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo refused to say what the fate of veteran center Kurt Thomas is now that it has been decided that Robert Swift will receive increased playing time.

Carlesimo tabled those potential lineup changes Monday for later in the week, perhaps following Friday's home game with the Portland Trail Blazers, but one thing that's been established is Swift will become part of the rotation, likely cutting into Thomas' playing time.

Thomas, 35, is in the final months of a contract that pays him $8 million. He has produced beyond expectations for Seattle and could help a playoff-contending club. And at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, there appeared to be interest in Thomas by a few teams, including the Orlando Magic, which is in need of a power forward.

The Magic has three expiring contracts that would fit well with Thomas' $8 million salary. The salaries of guards Carlos Arroyo ($4 million) and Keyon Dooling ($3.6 million) and forward Pat Garrity ($3.8 million) could fit into a two-player package to acquire Thomas and still allow the Sonics the same salary cap relief in the summer.

Thomas said he has enjoyed his time in Seattle.

"It's been great here. My teammates have been outstanding. The coaches have been great here," he said. "The organization has been great, the fans. The city is beautiful up here. So I have really enjoyed myself."

The question is whether the Sonics would want Thomas to play a reduced role for the final 31 games or will they move him to a contender out of gratitude for his hard work and mentorship with the team's younger players.

Carlesimo said last week the Sonics want to take a long look at their big men -- Swift and Johan Petro -- and he won't use a five-man rotation at center and power forward. The two players in that mix who won't lose playing time are Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison, meaning Thomas is almost certain to spend more time on the bench.

"It's going to be more dramatic with the (big men) because we haven't had a chance to look at those guys," Carlesimo said. "I haven't figured out (what happens to Thomas) and more importantly I haven't talked to Kurt or Robert about it, or Johan. We're not going to juggle five guys, I will tell you that. It will be lesser guys. That's part of what we haven't figured out."

So with a five-man rotation out of the question and Swift and Petro still young and unproven, and Wilcox and Collison being mainstays, it appears Thomas is out and perhaps could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline.

TAKE THOMAS FOR ELSON!

[td4mvp21]

DO IT SPURS!!!! I really hope the Spurs are at least talking to Presti about this, Thomas would be great for us. And if they buy him out, we should definitely sign him. I just want a good defensive big man beside Duncan.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Spurs West needs to hook the mother franchise up.

[50 cent]

I would hate for Dallas to get Kurt Thomas.

damn, that would suck.

[nicolejefferson29]

That would be nice huh? but we all know that would never happen


Elson, Barry, + Draft picks for Durant.

It would work out for both teams.

[whottt]

Well one thing for sure...Kurt Thomas is an impact player known to alter the course of franchises he plays for...

Pretty excited over this potential aquisition :tu

[genomefreak13]

Wouldn't be bad if they're willing to take Elson for it. Otherwise, no deal. Barry is shooting the lights out this year and would probably be instrumental in the playoff run, wouldn't want to destroy the chemistry of the team.

[MoSpur]

Coach P.J. Carlesimo is committed to shaking up the rotation and perhaps reconfiguring the starting lineup, but what will happen may hinge on if the Sonics make a trade before Thursday's deadline.

"[We will see] if anything happens in the next couple of days, and then we go forward from there," Carlesimo said.

While fielding calls from several teams, the Sonics are reportedly shopping disgruntled guard Delonte West, center Johan Petro, swingman Damien Wilkins and Mickael Gelabale. It's also believed veterans Kurt Thomas and Earl Watson are also drawing interest.

Carlesimo plans to use the remaining 30 games to continue evaluating, especially seldom-used center Robert Swift, a restricted free agent this summer recovering from right knee surgery. To carve out time for Swift, who played his seventh game this season in Tuesday's 108-101 win over Memphis, Thomas and Petro may be expendable.

[MoSpur]

I wouldn't mind Petro

[MoSpur]

From the the NY Daily News

KURT ON BLOCK: Former Knick Kurt Thomas could be the next big man on the move in the Western Conference. Thomas, who is in his final year of his contract with Seattle, has drawn interest from several teams including Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland and Houston.

The Magic seems to have the inside track because it has the expiring contracts that the Sonics covet.

[Ghost Writer]

Geez, I posted here a month ago that D. West would be made available and took heat for that.

E. Watson would make a fine backup PG, but it looks like the Spurs are set there.

[MoSpur]

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

TRADE TALK: The Sonics are fielding plenty of calls about a handful of their players, but the team obviously wants either expiring contracts, prospects or draft picks in return. Seattle has six picks -- two first-rounders and four second-rounders -- in the 2008 draft but would be open to acquiring more picks to help facilitate more deals.

First-round picks would be difficult to acquire -- the Sonics got two from the Suns in the Kurt Thomas deal -- especially with the depth of the upcoming draft. The Sonics have five first-rounders over the next three years.

Thomas, who may have played his final Sonics home game, was shaking hands and saying goodbyes following Tuesday's game in case he is moved.

[1Parker1]

I really wish the Spurs would get Kurt THomas, it'd be a big help for Duncan in the postseason, especially against the Bigs of the West.

[Holt's Cat]

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

TRADE TALK: The Sonics are fielding plenty of calls about a handful of their players, but the team obviously wants either expiring contracts, prospects or draft picks in return. Seattle has six picks -- two first-rounders and four second-rounders -- in the 2008 draft but would be open to acquiring more picks to help facilitate more deals.

First-round picks would be difficult to acquire -- the Sonics got two from the Suns in the Kurt Thomas deal -- especially with the depth of the upcoming draft. The Sonics have five first-rounders over the next three years.

Thomas, who may have played his final Sonics home game, was shaking hands and saying goodbyes following Tuesday's game in case he is moved.


I thought the Sonics didn't want picks back.

Surprise, surprise.

[hater]

Please trade him to the Spurs or to an East coast team

[RonMexico]

Maybe the Suns should trade for him.

[MoSpur]

Dallas would not be able to give picks since they gave that to New Jersey. Orlando seems to be the favorite.

[MoSpur]

Petro only makes $1.1 this season and $1.9 next season. Could the Spurs trade Spanoulis' contract for Petro? Doubt it, but just throwing that question out there.

The Spurs could trade Elson for Petro and Delonte West and that would work. I think West's contract comes off the book after this season.

[Holt's Cat]

Petro only makes $1.1 this season and $1.9 next season. Could the Spurs trade Spanoulis' contract for Petro? Doubt it, but just throwing that question out there.

The Spurs could trade Elson for Petro and Delonte West and that would work. I think West's contract comes off the book after this season.

Spanilouououus is not under contract with the Spurs.

[MoSpur]

I figured he couldn't be traded. Just threw it out there.

[Holt's Cat]

I figured he couldn't be traded. Just threw it out there.


No, it's a good idea. Too bad the Spurs don't have someone like Ferry to pull that off with.

[MoSpur]

No, it's a good idea. Too bad the Spurs don't have someone like Ferry to pull that off with.

Exactly. I wish we had a Keith Van Horn. LOL

[loveforthegame]

What about trade exceptions the Spurs have?

[MoSpur]

I don't think the Spurs have trade exceptions. I could be wrong though.

[coopdogg3]

Exactly. I wish we had a Keith Van Horn. LOL

Could Robert Horry be our "Keith van Horn" next year? How does that work? I know Horry is gonna retire, but can we sort of keep him around and use him as a sign-and-trade? I don't think he would object to a good pay-day without having to work for it.

[loveforthegame]

I don't think the Spurs have trade exceptions. I could be wrong though.

Maybe they expired already. I think Bruno had a post about it but I'm having a hard time finding it in a search. For some reason I thought they had 2 or 3. None of them were for much though.

[coopdogg3]

I don't think the Spurs have trade exceptions. I could be wrong though.

According to ESPN's Trade Machine, the Spurs have a $1.7 million exemption from the Beno trade.

[Holt's Cat]

According to ESPN's Trade Machine, the Spurs have a $1.7 million exemption from the Beno trade.


Nice. They could pull off a couple of deals if they wanted to or get more with some package of Barry & Elson.

[MoSpur]

According to ESPN's Trade Machine, the Spurs have a $1.7 million exemption from the Beno trade.

Wow. If this is true, I would not mind trading that for Johan Petro.

[Streakyshooter08]

Isiah Thomas says making trades to get under cap 'not our goal'
by frank Isola
daily news sports writer

Wednesday, February 20th 2008, 4:00 AM

WASHINGTON - Apparently Isiah Thomas is giving up the dream of making a run at LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.

Thomas provided a jaw-dropping quote Tuesday when he was asked if his goal is to make trades that would help the Knicks to get under the salary cap.

"That's not our goal," Thomas said. "Our goal is to continue to get better, but be mindful of where we are. We've done a good job the last couple years of bringing the number down.

"So we're in a good position. We've got young talent. We've got a cap that's going down or a number that's going down, but you want to turn that into some wins also."

The Knicks own the league's second highest payroll behind Dallas, and their cap number - $89 million - increases next season even though the contracts of Fred Jones, Randolph Morris and Dan Dickau expire on July 1. The following year, an additional $30 million will come off the cap when Stephon Marbury and Malik Rose become free agents.

KURT ON BLOCK: Former Knick Kurt Thomas could be the next big man on the move in the Western Conference. Thomas, who is in his final year of his contract with Seattle, has drawn interest from several teams including Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland and Houston.
The Magic seems to have the inside track because it has the expiring contracts that the Sonics covet.

[Holt's Cat]

KURT ON BLOCK: Former Knick Kurt Thomas could be the next big man on the move in the Western Conference. Thomas, who is in his final year of his contract with Seattle, has drawn interest from several teams including Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland and Houston.
The Magic seems to have the inside track because it has the expiring contracts that the Sonics covet.

Good. Spurs have expiring contracts as well that would match up with Thomas' salary. I wonder if they aren't try to include someone who doesn't, like say Bonner.

[timvp]

Trading for Thomas and using him as the 3rd/4th big would solidify the bigman rotation pretty nicely. Pop can go with Horry or Thomas off the bench depending on matchups. With teams like the Lakers and the Suns out there, getting a big who can defend the low block makes sense.

If Oberto doesn't recapture his playoff magic from a year ago, it gives the Spurs a quality option to survive that scenario.

[Holt's Cat]

Trading for Thomas and using him as the 3rd/4th big would solidify the bigman rotation pretty nicely. Pop can go with Horry or Thomas off the bench depending on matchups. With teams like the Lakers and the Suns out there, getting a big who can defend the low block makes sense.

If Oberto doesn't recapture his playoff magic from a year ago, it gives the Spurs a quality option to survive that scenario.


Maybe they could get Damien Wilkins as a throw in.

[Ghost Writer]

Maybe they could get Damien Wilkins as a throw in.
Not a terrible thought... kid has shown flashes and you help the swingman spot.

[MoSpur]

I'm sure they've tried to move Bonner, but probably got denied.

[MoSpur]

Wilkins has an option after this season. I'm sure he'd like to pick that option up. His contract is worth $9.3 million for three years.

[Holt's Cat]

Wilkins has an option after this season. I'm sure he'd like to pick that option up. His contract is worth $9.3 million for three years.

Final year is 2009-10. Not a perfect fit, but Pop likes players who bust their ass and work to improve. He strikes me as that kind of guy.

[urunobili]

do y'all see Seattle getting bonner and pics for this?

[1Parker1]

Looks like the Magic are on the forefront for Kurt Thomas :(

[1Parker1]

Per ESPN...

[Spurminator]

David (Dallas, TX): What should the Mavs do to shore up the center position with the loss of Diop?

Chad Ford: (1:13 PM ET ) They are in the hunt, along with San Antonio, Orlando and others for Kurt Thomas. However, the only way Dallas will be able to swing it financially is to hope that the Sonics don't trade him and then release him after the trade deadline. A lot of teams think they'll do just that ... which is why teams are reluctant to give up expiring contracts and a first round pick for him (that's Seattle's asking price). There aren't a lot of other cheap players out there that can fill that role for Dallas. I think they'll have to stick with Dampier, Brandon Bass and Malik Allen.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason (Washington, DC): Lots of talk of Kurt Thomas going to Orlando. Any update on that?

Chad Ford: (1:15 PM ET ) I was hearing strongly this morning that the Magic where in the lead to acquire Thomas' services. He'd be a good fit in Orlando and they have the expiring contracts to make it happen. But is a guy in the last year of his deal worth a first round pick as well? That's a steep price. I think there are other deals Orlando could get that would give them a younger, more productive four. They might have to trade Turkoglu (who admittedly has been great this year) ... but if they could shore up their front line and move Rashard Lewis back to his natural position, they should do it.

[Man In Black]

There's a rumor that there's a good chance of Brad Miller and Francisco Garcia going to Orlando for expiring contracts and J.J. Reddick.

Now that might steer Thomas back towards Texas.

[spursfan09]

ala Jerry Stackhouse and the Dallas Mavericks. Oops

Barry's smarter tho. He wouldn't go around parading that to the media.

[RonMexico]

I bet you the Suns and Sonics had a Stackhouse-like deal: The Suns trade him and the picks for the trade exception; then the Sonics buy him out this week... he re-signs with the Suns and the rest is history.

That can be the only reason Sarver and Kerr traded him away last year, because the trade is still one of the most illogical things I've ever seen. And a sleaze like Clay Bennett would be down with it. In the end, the Suns give the Sonics 2 first rounders for their trouble.

[Holt's Cat]

I bet you the Suns and Sonics had a Stackhouse-like deal: The Suns trade him and the picks for the trade exception; then the Sonics buy him out this week... he re-signs with the Suns and the rest is history.

That can be the only reason Sarver and Kerr traded him away last year, because the trade is still one of the most illogical things I've ever seen. And a sleaze like Clay Bennett would be down with it. In the end, the Suns give the Sonics 2 first rounders for their trouble.


They wanted to cut their lux tax bill what's illogical about that?

[ChumpDumper]

They are in the hunt, along with San Antonio, Orlando and others for Kurt Thomas. However, the only way Dallas will be able to swing it financially is to hope that the Sonics don't trade him and then release him after the trade deadline. A lot of teams think they'll do just that ... which is why teams are reluctant to give up expiring contracts and a first round pick for him (that's Seattle's asking price).
The more I read about it, the more I think Thomas is not going to be traded and will be bought out and allowed to choose the team he wants to play for. In that case, we'll be in competition with the Mavs and who knows who else.
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2255279&postcount=31

I win the kluby of the day award.