Adams contract renewal of 39 million yuan for three years, Lakers missed the center

On June 15, a news from the NBA famous reporter Shams suddenly flooded the screen - Adams renewed his contract with the Rockets for three years and $39 million, and he clearly would not enter the free market. Some people may be surprised at first, but if you think about it carefully, you will find that there are many tricks inside. This contract is fully guaranteed, but the salary structure is interesting, decreasing year by year: 14.13 million in the 2025-26 season, 13 million in the 2026-27 season, and 11.87 million in the 2027-28 season. This kind of signing method is not common in the NBA, especially for players of Adams level, which is somewhat unconventional.

Adams himself also announced this on social media. The sentence he posted was quite interesting, saying, "Today, it has taken a meaningful step, which is based on gratitude, tenacity, self-discipline, teamwork and trust." As I looked at this, I suddenly remembered what happened to him before. In October 2023, he underwent cruciate ligament surgery and was directly reimbursed for the season. In February 2024, he was sent to the Rockets by the Grizzlies and was injured for more than half a year. The team waited patiently for him to recover and did not make his Rockets' debut until October 29, 2024. You said that a player has experienced such a big injury and the team is willing to wait. Who wouldn't be grateful? So in his statement, he especially thanked the physiotherapist, family and teammates. This statement is not false, but a real feeling.

You see, the comment section is also very lively, and people like Shin Kyung and Gobert all came out to send their blessings. This reminds me of the relationship between Adams and Durant, Westbrook and others in the Thunder, and later partnering with Thick Brows in the Pelicans. I have never heard of anyone who has ever blushed in the locker room. Players like him are blue-collar workers on the field, do dirty work, and adhesive off the field, and everyone is willing to get along with him. Let’s talk about Harrell. He won the best sixth man, half a year younger than Adams, but he left the NBA early. Why? It was because of the strife in the locker room. This comparison shows the value of Adams. The word "reliability" is simple to say, but not easy to do.

In fact, the Rockets' reporter said before that he could get 42 million to 45 million in three years, but in the end he signed 39 million, which was obviously Adams who made the concession. This is even more interesting. Why is he willing to cut his salary? I guess, on the one hand, the Rockets did not give up on him during his recovery period, and he remembered this love; on the other hand, the contract is decreasing year by year, but the NBA salary cap is rising year by year. In this way, the impact of this contract on the Rockets' salary space will become smaller and smaller, and the team will operate more flexible in the future. Adams looked honest and had a clear heart. This was not only for himself, but also for the team.

If you want to talk about who is the most uncomfortable about this, it must be the Lakers. This summer, the Lakers plan to use the mini middle class special case, with only 5.7 million yuan per year, wanting to sign a big center, targeting Adams, Capela and Lopez the Big. How can players of Adams and Capela accept 5.7 million? Everyone has to think about it. Adams' total salary in his career has reached $210 million. The four contract renewals came from the Thunder, Pelicans, Grizzlies and Rockets. He has never been a free agent and has renewed his contract in advance. What does this mean? This shows that every team thinks he is worth it and is willing to keep him in advance. This is not something any player can do.

Looking at his data, this year's playoffs averaged 22.1 minutes, 5.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 1.1 blocks, and his shooting percentage was 60%. Score alone may not be conspicuous, but averages 3.3 frontcourt boards per game, ranking 8th in the league; averages plus and minus +6.3, ranking 9th in the league. This data reflects his value. He does not rely on scoring to make a living, but on defense, rebounds, and on the court. Many Rockets fans even said that they would rather trade Shin Kyung and Jaylen Green than let Adams go. Although this is a bit extreme, it can also show the fans' recognition of him.

The Rockets' next solution is Van Jordan, who has to decide whether to implement the 44.89 million team option next season before June 30. Whether to renew the contract or let go and chase other defenders is another difficult problem. However, I think the move is quite steady at the moment when renewing Adams's contract. If you want to score, I can give 8 points for a full score of 10 points. Why are those 2 points deducted? First, the contract age is a little longer, after all, Adams is not young anymore; second, the Rockets' future salary space depends on subsequent operations, and we cannot just look at this contract. But overall, Adams' reliability is urgently needed by the Rockets, especially when most young players are present, his role on and off the court is irreplaceable.

You say this is sometimes the case in the NBA. Not all stars have to get a maximum salary. Players like Adams can still gain a foothold in the league and live a very comfortable life. On the other hand, those players who are talented but cannot control themselves have lost their place early. Is this important ability or character? Maybe different people have different opinions.