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The Golden State Warriors have exercised the fourth-year contract option on forward Mike Dunleavy, the club's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today. Under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Warriors had until October 31, 2004 to exercise their rights.

"We're excited to know that we have Mike in the fold through the 2005-06 season," said Mullin. "We think he is a very special player and will be a key component of our team's future success."

Dunleavy, 24, averaged career-highs of 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 31.1 minutes per game last season. In 30 games when playing 35-or-more minutes, he averaged 16.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.13 steals while shooting 50.6% from the field. Overall in two seasons with the Warriors, Dunleavy has averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 157 contests.