According to the Arizona Republic, Tim Thomas has not really thought about what he is going to do next season, and is just enjoying his time with the Suns in the playoffs.

Thomas will be a free agent next season, and is a candidate for the Suns' mid-level exception after signing a minimum contract in March following a buyout from the Chicago Bulls.

"I'm not really concerned with that right now," he said. "This is what you live for. You live to put yourself in positions like this to try to win a NBA championship. I've been three minutes away one time of getting to the Finals. . . . I just know every opportunity, you've got to take advantage of it.

"(The next contract is) always in the back of your mind. That's going to handle itself."

Asked how much money his ex-teammate has made from his Phoenix stint, Clippers guard Sam Cassell said, "How much money's out there?"

"Where would they be without Tim Thomas?" Cassell said. "He showed why he is a big playoff player. Tim Thomas is the key and limiting his ability to make three-point shots and spread the defense. If we can contain him, we'll be all right."