Thomas' future uncertain now

Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo refused to say what the fate of veteran center Kurt Thomas is now that it has been decided that Robert Swift will receive increased playing time.

Carlesimo tabled those potential lineup changes Monday for later in the week, perhaps following Friday's home game with the Portland Trail Blazers, but one thing that's been established is Swift will become part of the rotation, likely cutting into Thomas' playing time.

Thomas, 35, is in the final months of a contract that pays him $8 million. He has produced beyond expectations for Seattle and could help a playoff-contending club. And at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, there appeared to be interest in Thomas by a few teams, including the Orlando Magic, which is in need of a power forward.

The Magic has three expiring contracts that would fit well with Thomas' $8 million salary. The salaries of guards Carlos Arroyo ($4 million) and Keyon Dooling ($3.6 million) and forward Pat Garrity ($3.8 million) could fit into a two-player package to acquire Thomas and still allow the Sonics the same salary cap relief in the summer.

Thomas said he has enjoyed his time in Seattle.

"It's been great here. My teammates have been outstanding. The coaches have been great here," he said. "The organization has been great, the fans. The city is beautiful up here. So I have really enjoyed myself."

The question is whether the Sonics would want Thomas to play a reduced role for the final 31 games or will they move him to a contender out of gratitude for his hard work and mentorship with the team's younger players.

Carlesimo said last week the Sonics want to take a long look at their big men -- Swift and Johan Petro -- and he won't use a five-man rotation at center and power forward. The two players in that mix who won't lose playing time are Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison, meaning Thomas is almost certain to spend more time on the bench.

"It's going to be more dramatic with the (big men) because we haven't had a chance to look at those guys," Carlesimo said. "I haven't figured out (what happens to Thomas) and more importantly I haven't talked to Kurt or Robert about it, or Johan. We're not going to juggle five guys, I will tell you that. It will be lesser guys. That's part of what we haven't figured out."

So with a five-man rotation out of the question and Swift and Petro still young and unproven, and Wilcox and Collison being mainstays, it appears Thomas is out and perhaps could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline.

RIDNOUR HOLDS OUT HOPE: A Washington native, Luke Ridnour said he is still hopeful the Sonics can remain in Seattle, which could be remote following commissioner David Stern's comments on Saturday.

"We're playing for this city now, and I know day-to-day things seem to be changing," he said. "For having a team in Seattle that's been here so long, it would be weird not to have it here. People like coming here and people around here are used to winning. You hope it stays here for the people because it has been here so long."