Spurs Talk: Looking at the Thomas for Barry and Elson trade

   The Spurs announced a shocker today, trading G/F Brent Barry and C Francisco Elson along with a 2009 draft pick for veteran F/C Kurt Thomas of the Sonics.  Barry had been with the Spurs for the 2005 and 2007 championships, and Elson had also been on the 2007 championship team.  Thomas has also played for Dallas, Phoenix, Miami, and the Knicks.     Thomas is known for his tough, gritty play and should be able to provide some help on the boards for Tim Duncan.  Although many sources have been citing Thomas's "playoff experience," he does not bear a championship ring.  The closest he came was in the strike-shortened 1999 finals when Thomas and the Knicks feel to the Spurs in the first of their 4-championship run over the last 9 years.  Thomas had his best offensive years with the Knicks, averaging in double digits in scoring over his last five seasons in New York.  His offense has declined since then, but his main value to the Spurs ... (link)