The Cleveland Cavaliers have exercised the third-year contract options on point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward/center Tristan Thompson.
“Kyrie and Tristan exemplify what we want to be as a team and franchise, both as players and as people,” said Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant on Friday. “They are dedicated, hard-working, talented individuals and we’re looking forward to their continued growth and success here in Cleveland as Cavaliers.”
The reigning Rookie of the Year, Irving, appeared in 51 games (all starts) in 2011-12, averaging 18.5 points on .469 shooting, 3.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. Thompson played in 60 games (25 starts) and averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.0 block in 23.7 minutes per game on his way to being named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
Both players are expected to be key contributors for the Wine and Gold during the 2012-13 season as Irving will maintain his staring role with Thompson expected to start in place of Antawn Jamison who left via free agency.
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