It's extension season in the NBA, and Steven Adams has joined the signing party. Adams and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed on a two-year contract extension for $25.2M, which will keep the big man in Tennessee for the next three seasons.
Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams has agreed on a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension, his agent Darren Matsubara of @wassbasketball tells ESPN. Adams -- an immense culture piece for a young roster -- is now tied to the Grizzlies for three years, $43.1 million.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2022
Adams joined the Grizzlies last summer in a deal for Jonas Valanciunas. While the impetus for the original deal seemed to be draft position — Memphis moved into the lottery to select Ziaire Williams at No. 10, and got a Los Angeles first-round pick (protected 1-10) that didn't convey when the Lakers imploded — Adams was an excellent fit in the Grizzlies' defense-first system, as the team tied a franchise record with 56 wins.
"Aquaman" (or, "Aqua Mane") pulled down 10 rebounds per game, and the team was 5.1 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the court. Adams didn't shoot much, but he's an effective offensive player by virtue of setting some of the hardest screens in the NBA.
Steven Adams screens cause me to feel second-hand pain. pic.twitter.com/eV0S3zaRpL
— Mike Prada. (PRAY-duh) (@MikePradaNBA) February 9, 2022
Even as they've become title contenders, Memphis has steadily built via trades and the draft, eschewing free agent signings. Their only signing this summer was to bring back point guard Tyus Jones, and they brought in five rookies on draft night. That makes a veteran like Adams more valuable, especially since Memphis is loaded with young talent, but not at center. Jaren Jackson Jr. is out with a broken foot, after missing nearly the entire 2020-21 season with injury.
With the cap expected to dramatically rise in 2024, keeping Adams through his age-31 season at $12.6M per year is a very affordable insurance policy for the Grizzlies. Why risk him leaving in free agency next summer? And if they eventually decide to make a big move, that's a very tradeable deal. After all, every single NBA team needs rebounding and bone-crushing screens.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!