After seven years, Steven Adam’s tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder has officially come to an end. Adams was dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans in a four-team trade which saw Oklahoma City end up with the largest trade exception in NBA history and a few draft picks.
When the deal was officially announced on Tuesday, general manager Sam Presti publicly expressed his appreciation for Adams and opined that he would forever hold a place in Thunder history. The franchise opted to retire Nick Collison’s jersey and will certainly do so for Russell Westbrook when his time comes. It’s at least fair to wonder whether the same fate awaits the No. 12 jersey worn by the New Zealander.
On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Adams himself publicly acknowledged the trade and appropriately expressed gratitude for the way he was handled over the course of his tenure in Oklahoma City.
“Cheers to Oklahoma City, thanks for taking me in 7 years ago. You guys have been awesome! I doff my hat to you for your hospitality. Always a pleasure, never a chore,” he tweeted.
Cheers to Oklahoma City, thanks for taking me in 7 years ago. You guys have been awesome! I doff my hat to you for your hospitality. Always a pleasure, never a chore. pic.twitter.com/eRFhQTqIk0
— Steven Adams (@RealStevenAdams) November 25, 2020
Amazingly, despite seemingly being a Thunder for as long as we can remember, Adams is just 27 years old. His passing ability and offensive rebounding should enable him to remain a starting-caliber player for years to come, which is probably why the Pelicans signed him to a two-year, $35 million extension as a part of the trade.
With the deal being officially announced, Presti and Adams have now both weighed in. Training camps for the 2020-21 season will commence on Dec. 1, and for the first time since he was drafted in 2013, Adams will not be suiting up for Oklahoma City.
Obviously, though, as we arrive at Thanksgiving, he’s reflecting positively on his time with the Thunder.