76ers exercise Robert Covington's contract option for 2017-18 season

The Philadelphia 76ers have exercised forward Robert Covington's contract option for the 2017-18 season.

The 76ers announced their decision Wednesday. Covington will make $1.58 million next season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next year.

Covington, 26, has emerged as one of Philadelphia's top perimeter players during the past three seasons. He averaged 12.9 points and career highs of 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals this past season.

The 6-foot-9 Covington has averaged 12.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in 211 career games -- 204 with the Sixers -- during parts of four seasons.