Originally published Monday, July 25, 2011 at 2:27 PM

Storm rookie Krystal Thomas cut, re-signed

Storm makes move to cut, then re-sign Krystal Thomas to provide roster flexibility with injured star Lauren Jackson sidelined.

By Jayda Evans

Seattle Times staff reporter

Tuesday

Storm @ Phoenix, 7 p.m.

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Krystal Thomas had an odd weekend.

Thursday night the Storm rookie was cut but was re-signed late Sunday to a seven-day contract. Storm coach Brian Agler, also the team's director of player personnel, made the moves because WNBA contracts became guaranteed Friday. As Seattle continues to wade through the season without anchor Lauren Jackson, Agler will have options with the freed salary cap space.

Jackson, a 6-foot-6 center, is rehabilitating a hip injury in Seattle as the Storm (8-7) begins a three-game trip starting Tuesday in Phoenix. The Mercury (10-5) had a six-game winning streak snapped by Minnesota entering the All-Star break.

"We didn't want to cut her," said Agler of Thomas, who has averaged 2.8 minutes. "But we felt we needed to do that in case we want to add a different type of player to our roster at some point."

Those hoping for the return of veteran Svetlana Abrosimova can nix that dream. Her native Russia won the EuroBasket to qualify for the Olympics, and Abrosimova is resting from the competition.

"I have communicated with them, but all indications are that she won't be (returning)," Agler said.

Center Ashley Robinson will continue to replace Jackson in the starting lineup. The Storm is 2-6 on the road, but hasn't lost to Phoenix since Sept. 10, 2009.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com