The Houston Rockets have secured the services of veteran center Steven Adams for the next three years, according to a report by Shams Charania on Saturday. The extension follows Adams' first year in Houston, where he played in 58 games with three starts for a young Rockets team.
The 31-year-old center arrived in Houston after being traded by the Memphis Grizzlies with one year left on his contract. In his final season as a Grizzly, Adams started 42 games and averaged 8.2 points and 11.5 rebounds. In Houston, Adams played backup to rising star Alperen Sengun, averaging 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds as the team finished second in the West with a 52-30 record.
The Rockets went on to lose to a more experienced Golden State team in the first round of the playoffs, but securing Adams on the roster provides the team with a veteran presence and leadership among a group of young stars. At 31, Adams provides some maturity on a team with an average age of 24.9, according to nbaage.com.
The structure of the contract also makes it a more tradable asset, should the team go that route. The money is reportedly frontloaded, with $14.1 million in 2025-26, $13 million in 2026-27, and $11.9 million in 2027-28. The contract is fully guaranteed with no options.
With a core of young stars and the likes of Adams, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks providing veteran experience, head coach Ime Udoka led the Rockets to their first playoff berth since 2021. The addition of Adams to the roster will undoubtedly provide further stability and leadership for the young Rockets team as they continue to build their future in the NBA.
