Although Steven Adams works well off the pick and roll with Russell Westbrook and his 7-foot, 265-pound frame clogs up the middle (9.5 rebounds and one block per game in 2018-19), his salary has the Oklahoma City Thunder in a bind. The team needs to make some improvements for 2019-20 and his $25.8 million makes it near impossible for the Thunder to do so.
Now, Westbrook will make $41.4 million this season and Paul George has $33 million coming his way, but those two are superstars. Adams is a standout player, but his “traditional big man” approach limits the impact he can have — and should limit the amount of money he commands.
As a result of it all, the Thunder have reportedly been shopping him elsewhere.
The Boston Celtics were rumored to be interested a few days after the draft. But Sacramento Kings may have been in on Adams first. Matt George of Sports 1140 KHTK and the “Locked on Kings” podcast reported the Kings came knocking on the night of the 2019 NBA Draft, with the hopes of acquiring the Thunder’s pick, as well.
I have heard, from a couple of sources now, that the Kings reached out, as expected, they asked and inquired not just about Steven Adams, I believe it was the 23rd pick. … They asked what Oklahoma City’s price tag or asking price would be for a package like that.
In the end, George reports Oklahoma City’s asking price was too high. Though with teams showing serious interest in Adams before free agency gets rolling, it seems like the Thunder are right to be patient — despite Adams’ sizable contract.
