Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets. Photo: AFP
The Houston Rockets are keen to re-sign Steven Adams, but the ball is now in his court.
Houston were eliminated from the NBA play-offs this week following a 103-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors in game seven of their first round tie.
With his season over, Adams is now a free agent and can negotiate with other teams.
Adams was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Rockets in February 2024. He missed the entire 23-24 season after having knee surgery.
The 31-year-old centre built his game time through the latest season and recorded his best stats in game six of the Warriors series, playing 31 minutes, scoring 17 points, grabbing five rebounds and having three blocks.
In a social media post Adams reached out to the club and the fans.
"Houston, thank you," he said on Instagram.
"The energy, passion, and unwavering support you brought to the arena this year were nothing short of incredible.
"I hope we represented this city with the pride and resilience that define what it means to be a Houstonian.
"Going to battle with the brothers was an honor [sic]. We fought with grit, heart, and determination displaying the kind of resilience that goes beyond the court.
"Proud of the boys and everything we learned together."
Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets rebounds against the Golden State Warriors during the NBA play-offs, 2025. Photo: AFP
Reports in the US suggest in free agency Adams could now command more than the NZ$21 million he made this season.
The Rockets have an option on him for next season and general manager Rafael Stone was keen to keep him.
"Steven was the player and person that we thought we were trading for and he has been that and is a very important part of the group," Stone said.
"It's a two-way street and so he has to want to be here. Every indication we have is that he does."
Adams is likely to draw considerable interest from a number of clubs.
He was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013 and spent seven years there before heading to the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.
-RNZ
