Steven Adams, the 33-year-old center, has just signed a three-year contract extension at $39 million with the Houston Rockets. This direction comes on the heels of his remarkable work during the playoffs. He was an essential piece of the team’s deep playoff run, highlighted by his stellar play throughout the grueling series against the Golden State Warriors. The extension solidifies Adams’ position as a leader in a youthful, transforming team. At the same time, it celebrates his extraordinary accomplishments while on and off the court.
Adams was acquired to the Rockets at the 2024 trade deadline, still in rehab from a PCL season-ending surgery. At first, he was more of a mentor to young players and a backup to All-Star center Alperen Sengun. But his role changed quite a bit as the season went along. With the Rockets finishing as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed, Adams became an integral part of the roster, demonstrating his value beyond just experience.
A Strong Playoff Showing
In the playoffs, Adams looked as good as he did in the early stages of his career. His size and strength allowed him to be an overall elite offensive rebounder, which was particularly important for the Rockets’ gameplan against tough teams like the Warriors. He was the most impactful player in the playoffs, putting up an incredible 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes. This showing eclipsed his top regular-season performance of 1.7 blocks. This capability of protecting the rim gave Houston the defensive backbone that they were severely missing. Unfortunately for them, this was their main reliance as injuries decimated their lineup.
Adams’ contributions became most evident during the pivotal playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. After trailing 3-1, combinations with Adams and Sengun prior became the best answer to Houston’s fight-back potential. The Rockets fought valiantly, pushing the series to seven games—a testament to Adams’ impact on both ends of the court. He went on to be named the team’s fourth-most-valuable player for that series. Specifically, he outperformed starters such as Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green.
His experience and nimbleness proved invaluable too, as the team encountered a stretch when they lost five of their best players to injury. Despite the clear frontcourt advantage, Adams was able to make plays in the post, showing his adjustability and comfort under duress. This performance catered to his importance for Houston’s playoff formula and further set the stage for his contract extension.
The Road to Recovery and Future Prospects
Adams’ most recent trip back from PCL surgery included a lot of attention paid to controlling his minutes. He was given clearance to compete in both sides of back-to-back contests starting halfway through last season. The Rockets decided to sit him for a single game to ensure he could heal as best as he possibly could. This decision shifts the team’s ongoing effort to be mindful of his health and maximize his contributions when he is on the court.
According to Inpredictable last season Adams threw up a career-high 52 post-ups. His finishing ability in the paint provides Houston with a third dynamic scoring threat that they desperately need in order to expand their offensive attack. As a long-time tenured veteran, he offers tremendous leadership to those younger players. He’s delivering thunderous dunks and game-changing blocks with regularity and flinging the Rockets back into contention.
The contract extension reflects both his recent achievements and the team’s confidence in his abilities moving forward. Over three years Adams will be guaranteed $39 million dollars. This figure puts him barely above the expected non-taxpayer midlevel exception of $15.5 million for the 2026-27 season, signaling that the Rockets see him as an important part of their long-term plan.
The Future of the Rockets
As the Houston Rockets look ahead to next season and beyond, retaining Steven Adams signals their intent to build around a blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership. With Alperen Sengun already established as an All-Star center, Adams’ role as both a mentor and contributor will be crucial in fostering a competitive environment.
The Rockets’ management appears committed to creating a balanced roster capable of competing at high levels in the Western Conference. Adams’ poise in the heat of playoff scenarios will be key as younger players grow into their roles. Here is where his intercessory presence can make all the difference, bridging the Youth/Experience Gap and offering invaluable insights that can strengthen team dynamics and teamwork immeasurably.
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