Steven Adams Stays Put: Rockets Bet $39M on the Big Kiwi

So the Houston Rockets just made their move—locking down Steven Adams with a three-year, $39 million extension. ESPN broke the news first, but let me tell you, this isn’t just some random contract. It’s a statement. The kind that says, “We’re done being the NBA’s punching bag.” And honestly? I’m here for it.

Let’s Talk Numbers

The Deal Breakdown

Three years. Thirty-nine mil. That works out to about $13 million per season—which, let’s be real, is basically pocket change for a guy who sets screens like a brick wall. Compared to what Golden State paid Moses Moody last year? Absolute steal. But here’s the kicker: Year 3 isn’t fully guaranteed. Smart move by Houston, considering Adams’ knee history.

Cap Space? No Sweat

Here’s the thing—Adams’ salary barely dents Houston’s cap. We’re talking maybe 10% next season. That leaves plenty of room to chase another big fish in 2025. GM Rafael Stone isn’t stupid—he knows exactly what he’s doing. This isn’t some desperate overpay like those crazy Texans contracts we’ve seen.

Why Adams Matters

On the Court

Look, Adams won’t drop 30 points. Ever. But that’s not his job. What he does? Sets the meanest screens this side of the Mississippi, grabs offensive boards like they owe him money (career 12.4% rebound rate, by the way), and turns Alperen Şengün into an actual NBA center. Coach Udoka’s defense just got way scarier overnight.

The Injury Question

Okay, fine—we gotta address the elephant in the room. Dude played only 42 games last season thanks to that PCL issue. Houston swears he’ll be ready by training camp, but come on—he’s 30 with 11 NBA seasons in his legs. At least they built in load management clauses. Small mercies.

What This Means for Houston

Playoff Dreams

With Adams banging bodies down low? Their defense might actually crack the top half of the league. And his pick-and-roll chemistry with Fred VanVleet could fix their half-court offense—which was basically nonexistent last year. Play-in tournament? Now we’re talking.

The Bigger Picture

Timing is everything. Adams’ deal expires right when Houston’s young core needs extensions. He’s the perfect bridge—tough enough to compete now, wise enough to teach Jabari Smith Jr. a thing or two. Culture changer, plain and simple.

What Everyone’s Saying

Twitter’s Hot Takes

Rockets fans are split. Some love it: “$13M for Adams? Steal of the century if he stays healthy!” Others? Not so much: “We really just paid for Dwight Howard 2.0, huh?” Classic Twitter.

The Experts Weigh In

ESPN’s Bobby Marks gives it a B+: “Low-risk move that changes Houston’s identity immediately.” But The Athletic’s John Hollinger isn’t sold: “Fair money… if you ignore that knee waiting to explode.” Ouch.

What’s Next

Games to Watch

Mark your calendars—December 15 against Memphis. Adams versus his old team? Blood will be spilled. And January 23 against Denver? That Jokić matchup could be a playoff preview.

Roster Moves

This probably means Houston’s done chasing Clint Capela. Next up? Finding some wing depth before the trade deadline. Bet on it.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line—this is a gamble, but the good kind. Adams gives Houston something they’ve lacked for years: an identity. If he stays healthy? Suddenly they’re scary. If not? Well, at least they tried. So what do you think—smart move or desperate reach? Hit me up in the comments.

Source: ESPN – News