Adams staying put as trade deadline passes
Steven Adams isn’t going anywhere.
There was plenty of talk Stateside the Kiwi centre could be leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder at yesterday’s NBA trade deadline (NZT), but Adams will stay with the franchise until the end of the season at least.
The Atlanta Hawks, who desperately needed a starting centre, were mentioned as the main suitors for Adams. Atlanta acquired centres Clint Capela (from the Houston Rockets) and Dewayne Dedmon (Sacramento).
Adams, 26, has been with the Thunder since 2013, when he was drafted 12th overall.
Oklahoma City have performed above expectations this season after the offseason departures of superstars Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Many tipped the Thunder to struggle in the west, but they have defied those predictions through the standout play of veteran point guard Chris Paul and rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder opted to not shake up their squad at the deadline with the team sitting sixth in the Western Conference standings at 31-20, and looking in good shape for the playoffs.
Adams’ hefty contract would no doubt have put off several NBA teams at the deadline.
He has the second highest salary on the team this season at US$25.8 million (NZ$39,917,631) and is due to make US $27.5 million (NZ $42,553,87) in 2020-21, the final year on his Thunder deal.
With Westbrook and George out the door, Adams was tipped to be a focal point in the Thunder offence, but it hasn’t worked out that way.
In 45 games this season, he is averaging 10.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, down on his 13.9 points per game and 9.5 rebounds last season.
The biggest move of yesterday’s NBA trade deadline saw the Golden State Warriors offload D’Angelo Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves for former No 1 pick Andrew Wiggins.
Detroit’s two-time All Star centre Andre Drummond was also dealt to Cleveland.