SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -The Sacramento Kings exercised their club option for president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie on Tuesday, committing to him through the 2009-10 season.

``We've had the privilege of working with Geoff for the past nine years and consider him to be the best general manager in the NBA,'' Kings owner Joe Maloof said. ``He's respected league-wide for his dedication to the game, innovation, scouting and diligence. We look forward to our continued work with Geoff as we bring the Kings back to prominence.''

It could be an interesting summer for Petrie and the Kings, who have missed the playoffs the past two seasons.

Veteran forward Ron Artest, recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, could elect to become a free agent this summer, but his agent has suggested he won't opt out of the final year of his deal, worth $8.45 million.

Petrie has worked 14 years for the Kings and twice was selected NBA executive of the year.

``I want to thank Joe, Gavin, and the rest of the Maloof family for their ongoing trust, loyalty and support,'' Petrie said. ``We are all committed to working diligently in the present so as to ensure a more productive, exciting and entertaining future for our fans, players and staff.''

The Kings have made the playoffs in nine of the last 13 years during Petrie's tenure.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.