Billy King has said that re-signing forward Kenny Thomas is the 76ers' top priority. The Sixers president/general manager also has said, "you need big guys in this league."

Preparing for the NBA's free-agency period that begins tomorrow, the Sixers have made Thomas - a restricted free agent - the qualifying offer that allows them to retain a right of first refusal on any offer he might get from another team.

Mark McNeil, Thomas' agent, confirmed that the offer was in place, but declined any additional comment. Even though teams can begin negotiating with free agents tomorrow, they cannot finalize contracts until July 16.

Thomas, a 6-7 forward acquired from the Houston Rockets in a three-way deal with the Denver Nuggets at last season's trade deadline, averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 46 games. Averaging 32.4 minutes in playoff games, he contributed 10.6 points and 9.3 rebounds.

He was listed on the 2002-03 salary cap at $1,557,683. The qualifying offer is worth $2,225,526, but is open to negotiation.

In an unrelated situation, today represents a deadline for Sixers forward Monty Williams to decide whether to invoke his option on a $1 million contract for the coming season.