Clippers Exercise Option on Kaman

Center Chris Kaman became the latest Clipper frontcourt player to have his contract extended when the club exercised its fourth-year option Thursday.

“We’ve been very pleased with the way he has progressed,” Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We think he’s only going to get better over the next couple of years.”

Starting forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette are under contract for four more seasons, and the 7-foot, 265-pound Kaman for two.

The sixth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, Kaman will have a salary of $2.75 million next season.

He will receive $3.5 million in 2006-07, the exercised option year, and become a restricted free agent after the season, meaning the Clippers can retain Kaman by matching contract offers from other teams.

In two seasons, Kaman has averaged 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He started 50 of his 63 games this season, averaging 9.1 points and 6.7 rebounds.

The Clippers finished third in the Pacific Division, and Dunleavy said Kaman was among the keys to the team’s continued improvement.

“We’re very excited about our young players and the direction of our team,” he said.

“The chemistry we have with our guys, how hard they play and what they try to do, we feel good about it.”

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-- Jason Reid

and Jerry Crowe