Kofi Inkoom
The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to trade center Steven Adams to the Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Adams, who is sidelined for the season with a knee injury, is being swapped for Oladipo, who is also dealing with a long-term left patellar tendon injury.
Dillion Brooks has a new dance partner in Steven Adams on the rockets team pic.twitter.com/M7IdOZLpxX
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) February 2, 2024
According to Wojnarowski, Memphis will receive two 2024 second-round picks and a 2025 second-round pick in the deal, with no protections on any of the picks, as noted by The Athletic’s Kelly Iko.
The trade appears to be primarily a financial move for Memphis, given the tough contract decisions they face with a pricey roster set for the 2024/25 season.
Players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart are slated to earn $20MM or more next season, with Adams earning $12.6MM. Oladipo, on the other hand, is set to become a free agent.
Memphis could be using the $12.4MM Ja Morant Disabled Player Exception to acquire Oladipo, thereby creating a $12.6MM trade exception, equivalent to Adams’ salary.
On the Rockets’ side, they gain a quality big man in Adams, who, when healthy, can complement rising star Alperen Sengun.
Despite being sidelined for the rest of the season, Adams is expected to provide the physical presence the team needs.
The Rockets had reportedly considered other centers like Robert Williams and Clint Capela before settling on Adams.
Ultimately, the Rockets believe in Adams’ toughness and leadership, and expect him to be fully recovered for the next season, as per Wojnarowski.