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Nuggets’ Faried signs contract extension

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Forward Kenneth Faried, a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. team at the FIBA World Cup this summer, signed a multiyear contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, the team announced Wednesday.

The Nuggets did not reveal the contract particulars, but the Denver Post reported that Faried received a four year deal that could max out at $52 million if all incentive clauses are reached.

“I’m ecstatic to be signing this deal,” Faried said in a statement. “Words really can’t express it, I’m just all smiles right now. I want to thank God for this opportunity and I’m excited to be a Nugget for the rest of my career.”

Faried, 24, averaged a career-best 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game last season, but those figures rose to 18.1 points and 10.1 rebounds after the All-Star break. His season was highlighted when he scored 24 points and grabbed a career-best 21 rebounds April 12 against the Utah Jazz.

“We value the energy and excitement that Kenneth brings night-in and night-out and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement on a contract extension,” Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly said in a statement. “We are truly looking forward to watching Kenneth continue to grow as a player and leader for the Denver Nuggets.”

Faried started all nine games for Team USA this summer en route to making the All-Tournament Team. He shot 63 percent from the floor while contributing 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

A first-round draft pick out of Morehead State in 2011, Faried holds the NCAA modern-era (post-1973) career rebounding record with 1,673. He broke the mark previously held by Tim Duncan.