Adams staying at Thunder for now
Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams isn’t likely to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder during the looming 2019-20 season.
Adams’ steep contract (two years, US$53 million remaining (NZ$84.5 million) and Oklahoma City’s hefty asking price mean the 2.13m centre is almost certain to remain with the Thunder this season, who drafted him in 2013.
The Thunder lost superstar duo Russell Westbrook (Houston Rockets) and Paul George (LA Clippers) over the summer, but Adams isn’t expected to be moved in the coming months.
League sources said the Thunder are seeking a draft pick, a young player, and salary relief for Adams.
‘‘They set the price too high,’’ one league executive said.
‘‘That’s what you’d expect and maybe it will drop as the year goes on. It’s tough to take on his contract and give up picks and players.
‘‘Most teams are pretty well set at the centre spot now, you have a big guy and you have your small line-up. You can’t just take on a contract like that. There isn’t a big number of teams who could take him.’’
If OKC’s asking price for Adams did drop during the season, he could possibly be on the move at the trade deadline.
The Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as a possible trade destination, should the Thunder end up offloading Adams this season.
Sacramento had interest in Adams before free agency began and discussed a potential deal with the Thunder, but talks never went any further.
Dallas and Boston were also linked to the New Zealander, but deals weren’t able to gain traction.
With Westbrook now in Houston, Adams is the longest tenured player at the Thunder, along with veteran Andre Roberson, who have both been there since 2013.
Adams said in Oklahoma City this week it was only natural hearing his name in trade talks last season was unsettling.
‘‘It still affects you in some way because you’re human.
‘‘I care about the [Thunder] organisation here, but again we’re here because we’re trying to support the organisation itself and the organisation needs to do well.
‘‘You have to keep it in mind you’re just here to help.’’