Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has secured a three-year contract extension worth $39 million, ensuring his continued presence with the team through 2028. This extension comes as a vital move for the Rockets, with Adams having played a pivotal role in the team’s recent success, contributing to their first playoff run since 2020.
The negotiations were concluded between Rockets officials and Adams’ representatives at Wasserman, who emphasized the significance of retaining the experienced player as he approached unrestricted free agency. Adams expressed a strong desire to remain with the Rockets, and the team mirrored that enthusiasm with this new agreement.
Adams, who turns 32 next month, has had a remarkable season, especially after returning from knee surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 season. He participated in 58 games this past season and made a substantial impact during the playoffs, averaging 22.1 minutes on the court. His presence was notably beneficial for the Rockets, particularly in their zone defense, which effectively challenged the Golden State Warriors during their first-round matchup. With Adams on the floor, the Rockets had a significant +44 point differential against the Warriors, showcasing his importance to the team’s strategy.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Adams is recognized as one of the league’s top offensive rebounders, leading the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage this season. His performance has been instrumental in helping the Rockets secure their position as the leading team on the offensive glass.
Looking ahead, the Rockets now have until June 29 to deliberate on guard Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option, with hints of a potential reunion making headlines as well.
Overall, the extension of Adams underscores the Rockets’ commitment to building a competitive team and retaining key players as they aim for further playoff success in the coming seasons.