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Seattle SuperSonics General Manager Rick Sund announced today that the Sonics have exercised the fourth-year team option for the 2006-07 season on both forward Nick Collison and guard Luke Ridnour.

“We’re very excited about the futures of both these young men,” said Sund. “For Nick and Luke, team success has always been their top priority and they continue to use their individual talents to make their teammates better.”

Last season, both players appeared in all 82 games. Collison averaged 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and shot 54 percent from the floor. Ridnour averaged 10 points and 5.9 assists. He shot 88 percent from the foul line, good for sixth in the NBA.

“It’s great for the Sonics and great for me because I get to coach them,” said Sonics Head Coach Bob Weiss. “I see bright futures for both of these players. They’re both hard workers, they’re talented and have a real feel for the game.”

InsideHoops.com Editor's View: The Sonics like what they've seen from Luke Ridnour so far. He tosses the rock to the right players at the right times. They're hoping that Collison wins them over this or next season with rebounding, defense and a bit of offense. Obvious move to keep both players, as they're on rookie contracts.