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February 20, 2008 3:21 PM

Thomas traded to San Antonio

Posted by Percy Allen

The Sonics traded Kurt Thomas to the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN and Yahoo Sports reports.

A Sonics PR spokesman couldn't confirm the report, but team officials are expected to make an announcement today.

Citing league sources, Yahoo Sports said the Sonics acquired center Francisco Elson, injured guard Brent Barry and a 2009 first-round draft pick. Elson and Barry, a former Sonic, have contracts that expire after the season.

In 42 games with the Sonics this season, Thomas averaged 7.5 points and 8.8 rebounds.

In his final game, a 108-101 victory against Memphis Tuesday at KeyArena, Thomas scored converted four of four field goals and finished with eight points and five rebounds. He played just 14:50 minutes, which was his fewest since Nov. 14.

UPDATE -- 3:49 P.M.

"For everything he's done in the NBA and what he brings to a team and what he brought to this team, I learned a lot being around him," Sonics guard Earl Watson said. "Especially on the court and off the court. Rarely do you get a big man who knows the game like a guard. I expect to see his numbers improve because of the type of guys around him.

"Out of respect to the game and his career, you respect the veterans and you do things like this for them. The way our season was going it, would be nice to see him end up on a playoff roster and nice to compete to a championship. So I'm excited for him and I'm excited to see him in the postseason."

Thomas' departure clears room on the roster to allow coach P.J. Carlesimo to play prospects Robert Swift and Johan Petro.

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