The Oklahoma City Thunder are securing a vital part of their core.
On Monday, the Thunder announced that they have agreed to sign Steven Adams to a multi-year extension. According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, Adams' extension is for four years, $100 million. If those end up being the exact terms, it would be the same deal that the Milwaukee Bucks reached with point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Just like we said about the Bucks, this should be seen as a big win for the Thunder -- anything less than the max is a good deal for the team.
Adams' ascendance has been swift and undeniable. In the playoffs last season, he showed the world what the Thunder had known for some time: Adams will do whatever the team asks of him. While not a great shot blocker, Adams makes up for it with his smart team defense and quickness when guarding smaller players and containing pick-and-rolls. On the other end, Adams is one of the best in the league at finishing out of pick-and-roll situations.
As soon as Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, Adams became either the second- or third-most important player in Oklahoma City, depending how you feel about Victor Oladipo. At 23 years old, he's one of the best big young men in the league, and he seems primed for a breakout season statistically now that he's getting more touches and shot attempts.
Oladipo was also extended by the Thunder on Monday, agreeing to a reported four-year, $84 million extension. The only problem with both the Adams and Oladipo extension is that in doing so, it leaves the front office with little flexibility going into free agency next summer. If, for example, it wants to pitch Blake Griffin on coming home, then it will need to have trades ready to clear cap space.
