PITTSBURGH - Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause would have expired on July 1, the date the fourth and final season of his $20 million contract officially begins.

But Thomas has waived the clause, freeing the Bruins to explore a trade before his movement protection was set to expire. According to general manager Peter Chiarelli, Thomas waived the clause 7 to 10 days ago. It is yet another indication that Thomas’s career in Boston is over.

Several teams have inquired about Thomas’s availability. Chiarelli said those calls have been in relation to the cap floor, which projects to be approximately $54 million in 2012-13. Chiarelli also said several other teams have called to confirm Thomas’s plans of sitting out next season; Chiarelli has told those clubs that Thomas does not intend to play.

Even if Thomas doesn’t play next season, an acquiring team could apply his $5 million cap hit toward its number, potentially reaching the required cap floor.

“At the very least, he’s being cooperative in that sense if we decide to trade him,’’ Chiarelli said. “It may not seem to make much of a difference because that no-trade clause will be gone after the end of this month.’’

Chiarelli said Thomas issued no preferences on teams to which he’d welcome a trade. Chiarelli didn’t disclose the identities of the clubs that have kicked the tires on the goaltender. According to www.capgeek.com, Colorado, Nashville, Phoenix, Winnipeg, and the Islanders are the teams with the lowest cap commitments toward next season. A team that acquires Thomas would be responsible for the goalie’s $3 million salary should he decide to play in 2012-13.

“If you look at it, there’s $5 million, which is the cap hit, that a team doesn’t have to pay,’’ Chiarelli said when asked about a trade possibility. “So yes, on that basis, I think there would be interest.’’