Living up to their word that re-signing Kenny Thomas would be their No. 1 goal during free agency, the 76ers yesterday extended an offer sheet to the forward, who is a restricted free agent.

The offer was believed to be for six years at more than $50 million, according to a team source.

Thomas, acquired from Houston in December in a three-team deal that also included Denver, averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 46 games with the Sixers. His overall performance against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, not just his averages in that series of 10.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, played a big role in solidifying his future in Philadelphia.

"Kenny is a key part of our future," Sixers president Billy King said recently. "He's young, he's athletic, he can bang, and he's versatile enough to score from the perimeter. Plus, he always plays hard.

"When you look at our roster and some of the things we're trying to do in terms of having youth and athleticism, he fits the bill. I don't think there's any question about that."