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Hmmm.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basket...29_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 gra ude 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.
Hmmm.
Interesting.
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..
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.
I would like someone like Haslem instead, but I think he's better than Elson and Bonner
Why can't PJ hook us up?
Seems logical. Old, nearing death, mildly productive. This is almost picture perfect of what SA loves to bring in.
In a heartbeat...
get It Done
Elson, Barry, + Draft picks for Durant.
It would work out for both teams.
It would take Elson's contract and more than likely Barry's contract to match. I still think Barry can help the Spurs.
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.
Do it...
Do it...
Don't get me wrong. I'd prefer Thomas over Elson and Bonner and Horry. I just would much rather have Haslem than Thomas.
Funny how everyone still thinks KT can shut down TD. I'd probably give BEST to Sheed.
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?
I would pursue Diop before Thomas
If they're willing to trade Wilcox, then I am up for that as well.
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
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.
Oh, absolutely. I've said for years that Sheed is the best at defending TD.
trade barry + elson for him.
then when barry is dumped, he can resign with us
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