Why Rockets Traded for Injured Grizzlies Center Steven Adams
The Houston Rockets dipped their toes in the trade waters late on Thursday, acquiring veteran big man Steven Adams from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks.
While the trade won't have an impact on the current season with Adams out for the year, the deal has the Rockets with their eyes on the future.
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Adams, who turns 31 in July, will be paid $12.6 million in 2024-25, the final year of his deal. The move addresses a need that the Rockets have been clamoring for ... a backup center.
Adams has spent a decade in the NBA as one of the most consistent rim protectors in the league, and he's got enough versatility to play both on and off the court with Alperen Sengun, the franchise's cornerstone at the center spot.
Having Adams there for his defense will come as a huge plus, allowing Sengun to defend other players on the floor.
In Wednesday's loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Rockets had no answer for when Jonas Valanciunas was absolutely dominant in the post. That answer for next season can be Adams.
Trading for Adams still doesn't solve the team's problem for this current season as the Rockets hope to leapfrog the Utah Jazz and/or the Los Angeles Lakers for a spot in the Play-In Tournament, which signals the idea that Houston may not be done for the deadline, which comes Thursday at 2 p.m. CT.
