The Oklahoma City Thunder have picked up the option year on the contracts of Kansas University’s Cole Aldrich, as well as Serge Ibaka, James Harden, Eric Maynor and Byron Mullens, keeping them all with the franchise for two more seasons.
General manager Sam Presti announced the moves Tuesday, extending the contracts through the 2012-13 season.
For the 6-foot-11 Aldrich, who was a rookie last season, the option is for the third year on his contract.
For the other four players, the option year is the fourth and final year on their contracts.
Aldrich made $2.13 million last season and will make $2.29 million next season and $2.45 million in 2012-13.
As the No. 3 pick in the 2009 draft, Harden stands to receive the biggest payday at up to $5.8 million under the NBA’s pay scale from his rookie season.
