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Report: Oklahoma City Thunder Sign Steven Adams to Extension

With multiple players hitting the free agent market this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder sign Steven Adams to a contract extension.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have several key players hitting the free-agent market this summer. However, they have now essentially reached a deal to keep one their key free agents, center Steven Adams. The Thunder and Adams agreed on a four-year, $100 million extension on Monday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:

Thunder Sign Steven Adams to Contract Extension

Wojnarowski reported earlier on Monday afternoon that the Thunder and Adams were gaining traction in extension talks:

Now that the deal is official, it will make Adams the second-highest paid player on the Thunder in the 2017-18 season.

With the departure of Kevin Durant via free agency, the Thunder are prioritizing keeping their core together. Adams is a big part of that core. He is a defensive anchor in the paint; he can rebound the basketball, is a shot blocker, and is one of the best interior defenders in the league. However, Adams’ numbers don’t necessarily back up the hefty deal.

Adams has never averaged more than 8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in a season, but his impact on this team will be greater going forward. With Durant gone and Russell Westbrook back for at least two more years, Adams is arguably the Thunder’s second-most valuable player. Albeit the hefty sum, this deal will keep the defensive-minded Adams in Oklahoma City for the long run.

 

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