The Cleveland Cavaliers have exercised the third-year contract option on forward Cedric Simmons, Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced today.

“Cedric is an intriguing player for us. The decision on Cedric’s option was primarily made when we traded for him. We look forward to working with him for the next couple of years,” Ferry said.

Simmons’ extension keeps him under contract with the Cavaliers through the 2008-09 season. In 43 career games (four starts), he has averaged 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Originally selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Simmons was acquired by the Cavaliers from the Hornets on September 29 in exchange for David Wesley.

The Cavaliers have declined to exercise the third-year option on guard Shannon Brown.

“We like Shannon and understand that his playing opportunities thus far have been limited. We will continue to support his development as a player. Currently, we thought it best to re-evaluate the situation next summer,” Ferry said.

He has played in 24 career games (five starts) and has averaged 3.0 points per game. Brown was the 25th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers.

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