<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Between the hefty contract and the team pieces the Kings are coveting in possible trades, Kenny Thomas being traded on his own is improbable. The amount Thomas is owed makes a possible buyout problematic, too, although a compromise could become a last-ditch move for both sides. Thus, any escape from Sacramento in the near future likely would require Thomas to be part of a trade package involving the long-available Mike Bibby or Ron Artest. Thomas recently was told he is not in the team's plans, the word from on high relayed through coach Reggie Theus. -- Sacramento Bee</div>
