The New Jersey Nets have exercised the fourth-year option on the contract of forward/center Nenad Krstic, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.  He will remain under contract with the Nets through the 2007-08 season.

?Nenad is an integral part of the Nets success,? said Thorn.  ?We look forward to his continued improvement in the years to come."

Krstic, a 7-0 forward/center from Serbia, was the First Round selection (24th overall) of the Nets in the 2002 NBA Draft.  In his first two seasons, Krstic has played in 155 games, averaging 11.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg while shooting 50.2% from the field.  Playing and starting 80 games last season, Krstic averaged 13.5 ppg and 6.4 rpg.  Following his rookie season, Krstic was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and last season, finished third in the voting for the NBA?s Most Improved Player.