PHILADELPHIA -- Forward Kenny Thomas will sign a multiyear deal to remain with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team source told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The deal was to be announced Wednesday, when the NBA's free agency period begins, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Thomas, a graduate of Albuquerque High, was a four-year starter at the University of New Mexico and became the first player in Western Athletic Conference history to finish his career with more than 1,800 points, more than 1,000 rebounds and more than 200 blocks.

	Thomas

Thomas was a first round NBA draft pick of the Houston Rockets in 1999.

Some newspaper reports have put the deal's worth at as much as $50 million over seven years.

The 6-foot-7 Thomas averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 46 games with the Sixers after being acquired from Houston in a three-team deal last December. He was one of Philadelphia's best players in the playoffs, averaging 10.6 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds.

Thomas, a restricted free agent, posted double figures in points and rebounds nine times in a 10-game stretch late last season and five more times in the playoffs.

In four seasons, Thomas has averaged 9.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. In the deal that brought him to Philadelphia, reserves Mark Bryant, Art Long and a future first-round pick went to Denver, and James Posey went to Houston from the Nuggets.

Sixers president Billy King said re-signing Thomas was the team's top offseason priority.

Philadelphia now must focus its attention on finding a center. Todd MacCulloch is unlikely to play this season because of a genetic disorder. Derrick Coleman, who played center in MacCulloch's absence, is an unrestricted free agent.