Nuggets exercise option on F Kleiza

Oct 29, 2007 - 8:19 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Denver Nuggets on Monday exercised the fourth-year contract option on forward Linas Kleiza for the 2008-09 season.

The 22-year-old Kleiza, who was selected 27th overall in 2005 by the Portland Trail Blazers, will earn $1,824,493 in 2008-09. He will earn $1,011,360 this season.

A native of Lithuania, he was traded to the Nuggets on June 28, 2005 for the draft rights to guard Jarrett Jack.

The 6-8, 245-pound Kleiza averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds while playing a team-high 79 games last season.