The Denver Nuggets avoided letting guard Ty Lawson test the 2013 free agent market Tuesday by agreeing to a $48 million four-year extension with the fourth-year guard.

Lawson is only the second member of the 2009 Draft class to agree on an extension with his team before Wednesday's deadline for those fourth-year players to get new deals, though the Rockets have all but officially agreed to terms with newly acquired guard James Harden on a new contract.

Lawson turned down a four-year offer worth $45 million earlier this month, but the decision to wait actually paid off for the dynamic guard. With a  $12 million average salary, Lawson will be one of the league's top paid point guards, making more money per year than Boston's Rajon Rondo.

Only Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul will make more this season among active point guards than Lawson.

Lawson has become one of the league's most exciting point guards. Last season he averaged 16.4 points and 6.6 assists per game, and his PER of 19.43 rated ninth amongst the league's top point guards.

With Lawson running the floor, Denver has become on the league's most lethal transition teams to date.

Related Articles:

 The Lakers Kobe Bryant Will Play In Tuesday's Season Opener

Rajon Rondo Still Hasn't Moved On From The Sting Of Their Eastern Conference Finals Defeat