Veteran Rockets star signs extension in Houston: salary and contract details
The Houston Rockets have agreed a three-year extension with center Steven Adams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Steven Adams was set to become a free agent after his contract with the Houston Rockets expired, but the Texas organization moved quickly to retain the center. The New Zealander has accepted a three-year, fully-guaranteed contract extension worth $39 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, ensuring he remains teammates with Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet for longer after finishing the NBA’s 2024-25 season with a 52-30 record.
An important player during the postseason
A University of Pittsburgh graduate, Adams played 58 regular-season games with the Rockets this term, appearing as a substitute for Sengun in 55 of them in a limited role. Adams averaged 3.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists, but his value extends beyond his numbers due to his experience as a strong defensive anchor who excels at boxing out and organizing his teammates. Consequently, his +/- was consistently positive, and this year it was 8.6 per 100 possessions he played with Houston.
Adams’ role became more significant during the playoffs, as the Rockets performed better against the Golden State Warriors when the New Zealander was on the court. He was a substitute in all seven games of the first round of the postseason, but his minutes increased (22.1) and his contributions were more consistent, averaging 5.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Rockets’ salary problems
Houston faces salary cap issues, primarily because the high salaries of Sengun and Green will start to count in the 2025-26 season, with the former earning $33.9 million and the latter another $33.3 million due to their rookie contract extensions. The Turkish center signed a five-year, $185 million deal in October 2024, while the shooting guard accepted a three-year, $105 million agreement.
Additionally, the Rockets must make an important decision on VanVleet before June 29, as the franchise has the option to activate a clause that will pay the guard $44.88 million for the next season. If traded, his salary will increase by 15%, according to Spotrac.
Considering these three salaries and those of the other 10 players on the roster, the Rockets exceed their salary cap by $92 million and would have $4.4 million left to spend before surpassing the second tax apron. As a result, Houston’s management will have to make tough decisions regarding which players to retain next year.
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