The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to pick up the pieces following their third-straight first-round exit from the NBA playoffs in April. They have Billy Donovan is working to revamp his coaching staff with several assistants departing following the season. Additionally, the Thunder have reportedly been looking to move their highly paid center, and it appears they may have a suitor.
According to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston, the Boston Celtics are interested in acquiring Steven Adams. They have been looking for a big man after trading Aron Baynes to the Phoenix Suns on draft night and there have been multiple reports indicating the Celtics will also lose Al Horford in free agency, making an elite center like Adams a prime target, as Blakely writes:
Adams is on Boston’s radar, but it’s unclear where he falls in the team’s pecking order as far as players they plan to pursue, or exactly what they are willing to give up in order to acquire him. But if you’re talking about big men who can make a major impact, Adams is one of those players that has to be given serious consideration.
Adams, the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, has spent his entire six-year career in Oklahoma City. He averaged 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds with the Thunder in 2018-19.
He’s not only an integral part of their defense, but he and Russell Westbrook have become very tough to stop on the pick and roll. In general, Adams does all the little things. However, his contract and the Thunder’s lack of cap space make him a desirable player to move, assuming he can’t help the team compete for a title.
