For months, a physical, defensive minded backup center to complement incumbent starter Alperen Sengun has been atop the wishlist of the Houston Rockets. On Thursday, with a week to go until the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, they finally made it happen.
Unfortunately, they likely won’t reap the benefits until the 2024-25 season. As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are sending three second-round picks (two in 2024, and another in 2025) to Memphis for veteran center Steven Adams, who is under contract through 2024-25 at $12.6 million annually.
Now 30 years old, Adams averaged 8.6 points (59.7% FG) and 11.5 rebounds as the starting center in Memphis last season.
The bruising 6-foot-11 big man is out for 2023-24 after undergoing knee surgery but is expected to return healthy in 2024-25. For a team in Houston (22-25) that is improving this season but not yet in contention mode, that delayed gratification makes sense.
The Rockets are using the expiring $9.5-million contract of Victor Oladipo (acquired for Kevin Porter Jr. in October) as the salary matching vehicle to make the deal work under league rules. For Memphis, the primary incentives are the second-round picks and the financial flexibility once Oladipo rolls off their books this summer.
Here’s our look at immediate reaction to the deal, both from media members and fans who actively follow the Rockets.
Rockets-Steven Adams trade reaction
Adams is expected to be recovered from knee surgery that cost him entire 2023-2024 season. The Rockets front office believes Adams brings the toughness and leadership that coach Ime Udoka craves for his team — and that he still can impact game in limited role behind Sengun.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2024
Rockets envision a healthy Steven Adams as a stabilizing presence for about 20 minutes per game behind Alperen Şengün next season. Adams brings the kind of physicality and toughness that Ime Udoka is trying to instill in the team’s identity. https://t.co/mk8ZzpiFOg
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 1, 2024
The Grizzlies are acquiring two 2024 second-round picks and a 2025 second-round pick in the Steven Adams trade with the Rockets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2024
For the Rockets, they'll get a healthy Adams for the start of the 2024-2025 season to complement burgeoning star Alperen Sengun at center. Adams has been one of league's best defensive and rebounding centers in recent years. https://t.co/hPemYPpIjc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2024
Adams is out all season after knee surgery but is signed for $12.6M next year. He can help next year, but this keeps salary on the books for the Rockets to continue to look for a star trade until the 2025 trade deadline. https://t.co/zSST4KMQUY
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) February 1, 2024
If Steven Adams is healthy is a quality second big to have behind Sengun who plays with a physicality Ime Udoka loves. If he's not healthy, he's a $12.6 million expiring contract in a year
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) February 1, 2024
I like this if Steven Adams is legitimately healthy next season. His size for screens on offense and his defensive/rebounding presence is sorely needed on this roster and would be a nice complement to Sengun. He also checks (and exceeds) the “vibes” box currently filled by Boban. https://t.co/vfncQ1O7jX
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) February 1, 2024
The main purpose of this trade is easily to roll over Oladipo's salary for next year
Steven Adams is a pretty awesome backup for Sengun next year as well
It all depends on the seconds, but most importantly:
-I didnt want to give up a first this year, and we didnt
— Paulo Alves (@PauloAlvesNBA) February 1, 2024
Personally, I love Steven Adams as a human so this makes me happy in that sense as well
Will absolutely rock to see him in Rockets Red
— Paulo Alves (@PauloAlvesNBA) February 2, 2024
Jalen Green and Amen Thompson getting screens from Steven Adams next season. pic.twitter.com/5jb9lQoZ0L
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) February 1, 2024
Steven Adams is an excellent screen setter! #Rockets
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) February 1, 2024
Houston can still make another move at the deadline using the salaries of Jock Landale, Jeff Green, and/or Jae’Sean Tate.
But this is a move about reserving financial flexibility.
Houston keeps their MLE this summer and their ability to trade for a star until the 2025 deadline.
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) February 1, 2024
After looking into a trade for Portland's Robert Williams III, Houston pivots quickly with nearly a week left before the NBA trade deadline to acquire a physical center for next season in Memphis' Steven Adams for three future second-rounders and Victor Oladipo's expiring deal. https://t.co/oCqZeR6KYJ
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 1, 2024
