Steven Adams Commits To Rockets: Veteran Center Signs $39M Deal To Stay In Houston

The Houston Rockets are wasting no time building on the momentum from their 2024-25 playoff run. In a significant step toward cementing the team’s identity and veteran leadership, the Rockets have agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with center Steven Adams. The deal, which is fully guaranteed and stretches through the 2027-28 NBA season, was finalized just weeks before Adams was set to enter unrestricted free agency.

Sources close to the negotiation confirmed that both the Rockets’ front office and Adams’ representation at Wasserman were aligned in their desire to get a deal done. Adams, who will turn 32 next month, reportedly made it clear that he wanted to remain in Houston, and the franchise responded with a generous offer that underscores his value both on and off the court.

A Vital Piece of the Puzzle

Although his numbers may not leap off the stat sheet in the way modern centers are often judged, Adams has proven time and again that his impact can’t be measured by scoring averages alone. After missing the entire 2023-24 season due to knee surgery, the New Zealand-born big man returned to the lineup with a vengeance in 2024-25. He appeared in 58 games during the regular season and was a staple in the Rockets’ playoff rotation.

In their first postseason appearance since 2020, the Rockets leaned heavily on Adams’ experience, physicality, and defensive IQ. His influence was especially noticeable during their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors. With Adams on the court, the Rockets outscored the Warriors by 44 points. Without him, they were outscored by the exact same margin — a stark contrast that painted a clear picture of his value.

More than just a physical presence, Adams was the defensive anchor of a Houston team that often utilized a tricky zone defense to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to clog passing lanes, box out effectively, and communicate on defense was critical to the Rockets’ success. It’s no coincidence that Houston’s defensive rating saw significant improvement when Adams was on the floor.

Dominance on the Offensive Glass

While the NBA continues to evolve toward stretch bigs and perimeter-oriented offense, Adams continues to prove the enduring value of traditional big-man fundamentals — particularly when it comes to offensive rebounding. The 11-year veteran led the league in offensive rebounding percentage during the 2024-25 season, consistently creating second-chance opportunities for his teammates.

That prowess was a major factor in the Rockets finishing the year as the top offensive rebounding team in the NBA. With Adams crashing the glass, players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün benefitted from numerous put-backs, kick-outs, and extended possessions.

For a young and athletic Rockets squad still finding their identity, Adams’ presence helped stabilize things. His screens freed up shooters, his rebounds extended plays, and his sheer physicality set the tone. It’s no surprise the franchise made re-signing him a top priority.

Houston’s Vision: Building with Balance

Houston’s decision to extend Adams is not just about rewarding past performance — it’s about investing in the type of locker room culture they want to foster going forward. Head coach Ime Udoka has been vocal about the need for veteran leadership, defensive commitment, and toughness. Adams checks every one of those boxes.

Adams also brings a rare mix of humility and gravitas. He’s known for his blue-collar mentality and dry wit, and he has seamlessly embraced his role as a mentor to Houston’s younger core. Players and coaches alike have spoken glowingly about his leadership behind closed doors, describing him as a steadying influence in both practices and games.

By securing Adams through 2028, the Rockets have sent a clear message: they’re serious about building a team that can win now and later. The move also allows the front office to enter the upcoming offseason with a clearer picture of their roster structure and salary cap flexibility.

What’s Next for the Rockets?

With Adams’ extension now in place, attention shifts to other key roster decisions. Chief among them is what to do with veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who has a $44.9 million team option for the 2025-26 season. League sources indicate that there is mutual interest in a reunion, but the Rockets have until June 29 to finalize that decision.

VanVleet, like Adams, played a vital leadership role during the team’s playoff push. Whether Houston retains him could signal how aggressive they intend to be in free agency or potential trades this summer.

For now, though, the team can take a moment to celebrate a move that solidifies one of the most important — and often overlooked — components of a competitive roster: veteran leadership with elite rebounding and defensive capabilities.

The Road Ahead for Adams

As for Steven Adams, the next chapter of his career is set. He’ll remain a Rocket through his mid-30s, continuing to serve as both enforcer and mentor. While age and injuries have forced some big men into reduced roles, Adams has adapted smartly to the evolution of the game.

He may not stretch the floor like some of his counterparts, but his understanding of positioning, timing, and effort keeps him one step ahead. More importantly, he knows how to win the small battles — the box-outs, the tips, the hustle plays — that often go unnoticed by casual fans but are deeply appreciated by coaches and teammates.

Barring further injuries, Adams figures to continue playing meaningful minutes, especially in high-leverage situations. With the Rockets returning to relevance in a tough Western Conference, his veteran savvy could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run.

Source: Sources: Rockets’ Adams agrees to 3-year, $39M extension

Final Thoughts

In an NBA landscape obsessed with flash and star power, the Rockets have chosen substance. Steven Adams isn’t going to headline highlight reels or dominate TikTok with flashy moves — but he does something arguably more important: he helps his team win.

By locking him in for another three years, Houston has ensured that its young stars will continue to learn from one of the most respected and reliable veterans in the league. And as the Rockets aim to climb higher in the playoff picture next season, they’ll do so with a firm foundation — one that starts with Steven Adams patrolling the paint.