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Spurs Snag Thomas from Sonics
Trade aims at making San Antonio bigger inside
By Katherine Thompson
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Posted Feb 21, 08 4:13 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Shortly after the Suns and Lakers each made high-profile trades for big inside men, the San Antonio Spurs moved to follow suit, picking up veteran center Kurt Thomas from the Seattle SuperSonics. In return, the Spurs send under-utilized Francisco Elson and frequently injured Brent Barry, along with a 2009 first-round draft pick, reports the San Antonio Express-News.
The acquisition of Thomas drops San Antonio's payroll by $400,000, and brings the Dallas native back to his home state. "We feel this trade gives us an opportunity for roster balance in our tough match-ups,” explains the Spurs' GM, denying that the deal was made "necessarily" in response to the Pau Gasol and Shaquille O'Neal moves.