Nets' Jefferson has surgery to repair wrist ligament

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson had surgery Thursday to repair a ruptured ligament in his left wrist, an injury that's expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Jefferson, the Nets' leading scorer and rebounder before he was hurt in a game Dec. 27, will be in a cast for at least two months and then will need another two months of rehabilitation.

Jefferson, who signed a contract extension in August, averaging 22.2 points and 7.3 rebounds through 33 games this season.

The Nets also announced that they signed guard Billy Thomas to a 10-day contract on Thursday. Thomas appeared in seven games with the Washington Wizards, averaging 4.1 points this season.