After seven seasons, Steven Adams’ tenure as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder has come to an end. Adams was included in a four-team trade by general manager Sam Presti which yielded the team, among other things, the biggest trade exception in NBA history.
The Thunder also received some valuable draft pick compensation in the deal, but that doesn’t necessarily do much for the emotional impact of the trade. After seven years, Thunder fans developed an immense affinity for Adams, and it’s safe to say that the feeling was mutual.
At least Adams gets $35 million to help him cope, though.
On Monday, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that, as a part of the trade, Adams signed a two-year, $35 million extension with the Pelicans. The deal, according to Lowe, is fully guaranteed for both seasons.
As part of his trade to New Orleans, the Pelicans have signed Steven Adams to a 2-year, $35M extension, sources tell @wojespn and I.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) November 24, 2020
Although Adams is considered a “traditional” big man who some believe the game is phasing out, he has incredible skill. He is an underrated passer and one of the league’s best offensive rebounders. He has good hands, is an excellent pick-and-roll finisher and can probably help the right team in the right situation. The Pelicans may be just that.
With Jrue Holiday headed to Milwaukee, Lonzo Ball will likely be the primary playmaker in New Orleans. He’s the type of point guard that should be able to utilize Adams’ finishing abilities. Because of his passing abilities, Adams should also have a fairly easy time playing 1-2 big man ball with Zion Williamson, so the fit seems to be as close to ideal as possible.
The big man is currently entering the final year of a four-year, $100 million extension he signed with the Thunder in October 2016 and is scheduled to earn $27.5 million this season.
Adams was set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, but New Orleans obviously had different ideas.
Celebrating his 27th birthday this past July, Adams is still on the younger side of 30 years old, and now, figures to be a part of the Pelicans’ long-term future.
The team obviously evidenced its hope for this to be the case by signing him to the extension.