<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Sonics' Thomas sent to Spurs Deal brings back Barry, nets 2009 first-round pick By GARY WASHBURN P-I REPORTER Sonics general manager Sam Presti sent veteran center Kurt Thomas to his former team, the San Antonio Spurs, on Wednesday in return for former Sonic Brent Barry, center Francisco Elson and a 2009 first-round pick. The key to the deal is the first-round pick, which gives the rebuilding Sonics six over the next three years -- two in each season. It also gives the Sonics an opportunity to take a look at Elson, who had been productive in stints with the Denver Nuggets and the Spurs. Barry, 36, who has missed the past three weeks with a lower leg injury, will return to Seattle, where he had a successful stint (1999-2004). He was included in the deal because his salary ($5.4 million) balanced the trade. The Sonics could buy out Barry's contract or attempt to trade him to a contending team before Thursday's noon deadline. Barry likely would not play much with the Sonics' current youth movement. Presti was able to spin three first-round picks from the departure of Rashard Lewis. Lewis was sent to Orlando in a sign-and-trade for an $9.25 million trade exception, and Presti traded $8 million of that exception to the Phoenix Suns for Thomas and two first-round picks (2008 and 2010).</div> Sonics' Thomas sent to Spurs; Seattle P-I link What do you guys think about this trade? And also, what do you think about Robert Swift and P.J. Carlesimo's comment concerning sensitivity to his injuries?
Sonics management is being lame...we also acquired Marshall, Newble and Griffin. And traded away Wally and Delonte (even though we just acquired them in the fall?) Yeah...this is bad.
Looks like a solid deal for the Sonics, they clear some more cap space (look to be about $10M under next year or much more in 2010) with a boatload of picks.
