Steven Adams is staying put — and it’s a move the Houston Rockets won’t regret anytime soon. After an impressive comeback season and a crucial playoff performance, the veteran center has agreed to a new deal with the Rockets that will keep him off the free agency market. The timing is perfect, and the decision speaks volumes about the value Adams brought to Houston’s playoff push.
Adams, who missed the entire 2023–24 season due to a knee injury, returned to action in 2024–25 with a vengeance. Despite questions about his health, he suited up for 58 regular season games and re-established himself as one of the league’s most reliable big men. But it was in the postseason where his impact was truly undeniable.
In the playoffs, Adams averaged 22.1 minutes per game, anchoring the paint and setting the tone with his trademark physicality. The Rockets were a whopping +44 with Adams on the court and -44 without him — a staggering split that underlined just how vital he was to the team’s success. Whether it was securing second-chance opportunities, protecting the rim, or setting bruising screens to free up Houston’s young guards, Adams did it all.
Per ESPN Research, Adams led the entire NBA in offensive rebounding percentage this season, further emphasizing his value in keeping possessions alive and wearing down opposing frontlines. His ability to control the glass allowed Houston to dictate tempo and shift momentum in several close playoff games.
Beyond the numbers, Adams’ veteran presence and leadership were just as important. On a Rockets squad loaded with young talent — including rising stars like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson — Adams brought stability, toughness, and a professional approach that helped guide the team through its first postseason appearance in years. He was a vocal leader in the locker room and often the emotional anchor on the court.
The new deal, whose terms have not been officially disclosed, is widely seen as a reward for Adams’ performance and a strategic investment in continuity. By locking him in early, Houston avoids the risk of losing him to a contender in free agency, and they preserve one of the few veterans with playoff experience on the roster.
With head coach Ime Udoka placing a premium on defense, toughness, and structure, keeping Adams was a no-brainer. His chemistry with both the coaching staff and his younger teammates was obvious, and the Rockets know they’ll need his grit and experience as they look to build on this season’s playoff run.
In a league that’s constantly chasing versatility and speed, Steven Adams reminds everyone that there’s still a place — and great value — in having a true center who dominates his role. For Houston, this new deal keeps their foundation strong and their postseason hopes alive.
