Breaking News... Thomas to SA per ESPN

[LEIF]

just reported on Sportscenter, trade call is in progress and deal should be done soon, not sure for what but it was reported on Sportscenter.

[Kunlun]

The San Antonio Spurs have reached agreement with the SuperSonics that will bring them center Kurt Thomas in exchange for guard Brent Barry, center Francisco Elson and a 2009 first-round draft pick, league sources said Wednesday.

The teams are in the process of finalizing the deal with league officials.

By acquiring Thomas, the Spurs get some needed size to help them counter Phoenix

[DBMethos]

Whoa, that's kinda sudden. If we lose out on Artest (looks like we will), I won't mind KT! Depends what we gave up...

[Blame Rasho]

...

[CITYOFANGELSX3]

Should be a decent fit, I heard a rumor Spurs were going after Ron Artest. Could that also happen? Or does this trade rule that out now?

[Ballings7]

Woah, love the move!

He's one of the guys we all wanted to get, and was one of the most realistic possibilities.

Will be a perfect fit with Duncan as a right-hand man. Like he was with Zo and Ewing. That's Kurt's best role, as a top helper big man next to star two-way big men.

[RIPskaterdude]

Artest to SA (if it was ever alive) is now dead. Not enough expirings to get him.

[rsavaj]

I just want to let you know that I hate the fact that your franchise is made of win.

Great move.

[pro2020]

he's a big body that can physically tire the opponent, nice move, although I have to say, it's sad to see Brent Barry go, that guy gave us great opportunities but we all saw that he literally broke down this year.

[CableKC]

It was mentioned in another thread that it looks like the Spurs could make moves to get under the Luxury Tax this season...does moving Barry and Elson for Kurt Thomas accomplish that?

[DBMethos]

Love this trade for us. Stronger on the boards and no more cheating off our C's, when he can stay back and hit that mid-range jumper. Instant upgrade over Elson!

[Ballings7]

It is definitely unfortunate to see Barry go, I loved what he brought. He had quite a few stand-out games with us. I loved him in the 2005 Suns series, and contributing well here and there in the 2007 playoffs. Especially Game 4 of the finals.

Hey, maybe he can be bought out and we'll re-sign him in 30 days? He needs the rest anyway (not ready to return), and can get back into enough shape to contribute.

That'd be nice, haha

[tsherkin]

I just want to let you know that I hate the fact that your franchise is made of win.

Great move.

Allow me to reiterate this sentiment.

Great move; post D, outlet passing, rebounding to help Duncan out, a guy who can guard either of the big spots, some good mid-range shooting...

Excellent move, typical of the San Antonio organization.

[That Nicka]

Not as big as some of the other names that have switched teams but will undoubtedly fit right in and have a significant impact... great move

[bullsaficianado]

Not a good move imo. Artest would have been a better fit for the Spurs.

[That Nicka]

Not a good move imo. Artest would have been a better fit for the Spurs.

Impossible to say how Artest would have fit in.... At this point in his career would he be comfortable as a 4th option? Would the Spurs go into lux tax to keep him next year??

Kurt Thomas brings another reliable banger and adds depth to the front court... You already know what he is capable of bringing to the table night in and night out

Parker/Stoudemire
Finley/Ginobili
Bowen/Udoka
Duncan/Horry
Oberto/Thomas

Cant argue with that at all

[Donald Kaufman]

Hate to see Bones go, but the move makes sense to me.

Great addition.

[bigballajohn]

this is a great trade for the spurs. they save some money and get a good complement to duncan.

[Ballings7]

This guy (Kurt) deserves a ring after several times of attempt - I'm confident he'll get it with us. He's just such a solid and effective player.

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I think Artest would of fit in fine other than just having to learn the system for some time. Which is natural with anybody. As far as his role, he would of realized what kind of team he was coming into, who else was on the team, and wants to get a ring. This has also been indicated by him on similar topics in the past.

Definitely not impossible considering the situation, and Ron's wildness being overblown by ignorant people.

[tsherkin]

Ron's wildness being overblown by ignorant people.

It hasn't really been overblown at all, actually; he's thick-headed, known for getting into all kinds of trouble and has a perceptual problem in that he believes himself to be a scorer. His best years were in Chicago, IMO, and a year or two in Indiana.