Aug 28, 2007, 23:42 GMT
Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento Kings announced Tuesday that Kevin Martin agreed in principle on a contract extension.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Martin's deal is for five years worth about $55 million.
'We're really excited to reach an agreement in principle with Kevin,' said Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie. 'We expect to finalize the contract in the very near future. He's one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. We look forward to watching him play for many years to come.'
Martin had a breakout season last year with a career-high and team-best 20.2 points per game and career-bests in rebounds (4.3), assists (2.2), steals (1.23) and minutes (35.2) as a starter in all 80 games he played.
Finishing second to Golden State's Monta Ellis for the 2006-07 Most Improved Player Award by the closest margin since its inception in 1986, Martin raised his scoring average by 9.4 points after a 10.8 mark in 2005-06. He also set a new Sacramento-era single-season record with 481 free throws made to pass Otis Thorpe (460).
Martin owns career averages of 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per gam over 197 outings in three seasons with Sacramento.
The Kings' first-round choice in the 2004 NBA draft, Martin was chosen with the 26th overall selection out of Western Carolina, and is the only WCU athlete ever to be selected in the first round of any professional draft.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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