Steven Adams agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, removing him from the free agent pool before the NBA offseason officially began. This new deal secures a top-tier center for Houston following Adams’ crucial role in the Rockets’ recent playoff run.
According to sources, Adams played 58 games after missing the entire 2023-24 season and averaged 22.1 minutes during the playoffs. His presence was a major factor in the Rockets’ performance, as the team had a plus-44 net rating when he was on the floor compared to minus-44 without him. Adams also led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage this season, highlighting his impact on the court.
“Just In: Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. After playing a key rotation and leadership role in the Rockets’ playoff run, the new deal keeps a top center out of free agency.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
“Adams played 58 games after missing the 2023-24 season, and averaged 22.1 minutes in the playoffs in a critical role for a team that was +44 with him on the floor versus -44 without. Adams led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage this season as well, per ESPN Research.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Impact on Phoenix Suns’ Search for Frontcourt Reinforcements
The extension effectively removes Adams from the market, leaving the Phoenix Suns without one of their top target options at center. Recently, Adams topped a Suns fan poll for preferred big men additions, so his departure tightens an already limited group of available free-agent centers. The $13 million per season valuation set by Houston provides a benchmark for what teams must be willing to pay for an established center with Adams’ profile.
Phoenix currently retains young big men Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro under contract, but there is uncertainty about how these players fit into the rotation. The Suns need to add reliable frontcourt depth, not just to fill roster spots, but to strengthen their team identity and impact on both ends of the floor.
The direction Phoenix takes will likely hinge on the aftermath of the Kevin Durant trade, which is still unfolding. Depending on the package received, which may include draft picks or other assets, the Suns could pivot toward acquiring frontcourt players via trade or the draft rather than free agency. The available options on the open market appear limited, prompting general manager Brian Gregory to explore creative solutions.
Available Free-Agent Big Men for the Suns
Excluding trade possibilities, the Suns have several free-agent centers and power forwards they could consider:
- Clint Capela
- Bobby Portis
- Luke Kornet
- Thomas Bryant
- Jake LaRavia
- Chris Boucher
- Charles Bassey
- Sandro Mamukelashvili
With Adams off the board, fan interest drops sharply across this group, illustrating the challenge Phoenix faces in improving the frontcourt through free agency alone.
Draft Prospects Considered for Suns’ Frontcourt Needs
The Suns’ draft options for big men extend beyond their current pick range, but identifying potential talent remains valuable as a contingency plan regardless of where Phoenix selects. Potential draft candidates include:
- Khaman Lamuach
- Derik Queen
- Collin Murray-Boyles
- Asa Newell
- Thomas Sorber
- Rasheer Fleming
- Danny Wolf
- Joan Beringer
- Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Johni Broome
- Maxime Raynaud
The draft may provide cost-effective ways to address frontcourt depth, though players typically require time to develop compared to immediate impact veterans.
Future Outlook for Suns’ Offseason Strategy
The Suns’ pursuit of frontcourt upgrades will continue to evolve as the Kevin Durant trade situation resolves, influencing their roster construction and resource allocation. For now, the extension of Steven Adams with Houston has both cleared a high-value player from free agency and set a clear financial benchmark for the center market. This development forces the Suns to weigh alternative approaches for adding size and rebounding ability.
With limited free-agent options and draft picks available, Phoenix’s general manager Brian Gregory faces the task of creatively assembling a rotation that complements their core stars and maximizes team success in the coming season.