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Salt Lake City (October 30, 2006) - The Utah Jazz have exercised the third-year option on the contract of guard Deron Williams, the club announced today.
The 6-3, 239-pound Williams was a 2005-06 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection last season after appearing in 80 of 82 games (47 starts) and averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. Williams led the Jazz in assists, and posted the second-highest assists average and fourth-highest scoring average ever by a Jazz rookie. He also led all NBA rookies in three-point shooting (.416), breaking the franchise rookie record for both three-pointers made and attempted (91-219). The University of Illinois product was selected by the Jazz with the third overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
The extension keeps Williams under contract through the 2007-08 season.
Williams will begin his second season on Wednesday when the Utah Jazz tip off their 2006-07 NBA season by hosting Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets at the Delta Center at 7 p.m. MT.
Also, The Jazz have decided to allow Rafael Araujo to
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become a free agent in July, rather than guarantee the center $3 million for next season
