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:
Oklahoma City and center Steven Adams are finalizing a four-year, $100M extension, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2016
Thunder Sign Steven Adams to Contract Extension
Wojnarowski reported earlier on Monday afternoon that the Thunder and Adams were gaining traction in extension talks:
Oklahoma City and center Steven Adams making significant progress on a 4-year, $100M contract extension, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2016
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.
Main photo:
