Nets' CEO Rod Thorn traveled to Athens to lock up Richard Jefferson's new multi-year contract.

On the eve of his first game as a member of the U.S. Olympic team, Jefferson officially signed a six-year, $76 million extension.

"Richard's work ethic over the past three years has produced a significant development in his basketball performance," Thorn said in a statement. "The Nets management feels very strongly that Richard will continue this upward progression and be a cornerstone of this franchise, and we are very pleased that he will continue his basketball career past his current contract with the New Jersey Nets."

Jefferson averaged 18.5 points per game along with 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals last season, his finest in the league.  He also finished among the league leaders in field goal percentage (49.8 percent) and minutes per game (38.2).

Jefferson's contract does not take effect until 2005-2006.  The Nets were more reluctant to add a big contract for Kenyon Martin, since it would have impacted team finances immediately.