In breaking NBA news, the Memphis Grizzlies have made a trade to send center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets. In exchange, the Grizzlies will receive Victor Oladipo and three second-round draft picks.
The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2024
Shortly before the season started, it was announced that Adams needed knee surgery. This surgery would cause him to miss the entire 2023-24 season. In two seasons with the Grizzlies, Adams averaged 7.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
The 30-year-old center is under contract for just one more season after this one.
As for the Rockets, they traded away Oladipo, who has not played a game all year due to a knee injury of his own. Last season, while with the Heat, Oladipo averaged 10.7 points per game while shooting 39.7% from the field.
NBA News: Memphis Grizzlies Trade Steven Adams
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Made This Trade
To put it directly, this season has been a disappointment for the Grizzlies. In addition to Adams’ injury, star guard Ja Morant suffered a shoulder injury just nine games back from his 25-game suspension to start the year. Plus, with other injuries to guys like Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, and Desmond Bane, it has been difficult for Memphis to find a rhythm. With an 18-29 record, third-worst in the Western Conference, it is fair to assume the Grizzlies will miss the playoffs this season. At this point, Memphis will likely sell the assets they have and retool for next season. Trading Adams, who may not fit their long-term timeline anymore, before he hits free agency next season may be just the beginning.
Additionally, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski offered his take on why the Grizzlies made this trade:
Grizzlies are creating more salary flexibility and draft assets around a 2024 offseason where they’ll get a chance at a high lottery pick and a chance to fortify a contender around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
Currently, it is unclear what role Oladipo will have with the Grizzlies, if any.
Why The Houston Rockets Made This Trade
The 22-25 Rockets currently own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. If the season were to end today, they would be just outside of a play-in spot. Although acquiring Adams is for next season and maybe beyond, the Rockets have a decent team with a solid coach in Ime Udoka.
Perhaps most intriguing for Houston is the idea of pairing Adams next to Alperen Sengun. Wojnarowski tweeted about the appeal of Adams and his fit in Houston:
For the Rockets, they’ll get a healthy Adams for the start of the 2024-2025 season to complement burgeoning star Alperen Sengun at center. Adams has been one of league’s best defensive and rebounding centers in recent years.
Additionally, it appears Adams is expected to be healthy for the start of the 2024-25 season. As a tough big man, Adams is someone Udoka envisions being an important part of his team.
