I didnt know his contract status and I will say, yes. If a team needs to meet the floor regarding the cap then any GM of said team will explore this option. Hell, that might play into Boston's favour if a bidding war for a non-player starts.
The only problem is that you have Tim Thomas at 39 following a year off. How many years left does he have left? I think I remembering reading 2 but if he decides to come back...well, I guess you already knew what you are dealing with if you traded for him.
I think what you were trying to say is that Marc Bergevin is probably fucking pissed because this move by Tim Thomas immediately makes it next to impossible to unload Scott Gomez. And no, I am not suggested it wasnt before.