Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has exercised their fourth-year option on guard/forward Jarvis Hayes.

?Jarvis is a big part of the core that we?ve built here, and we?re looking forward to watching him continue to grow as a player and as a professional,? said Grunfeld.  ?He?s a versatile player with a good feel for the game, nice touch on his jump shot, and explosive athletic ability. We think he?s a nice fit for what we?re doing here.?  

In 124 career games over two seasons with the Wizards, Hayes has averaged 9.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 28.9 minutes per game.  An All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2004, Hayes was selected by the Wizards with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft.