Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Steven Adams Re-Signs with Houston Rockets on $39 Million Extension, Rejects Lakers and Warriors Pursuit

Houston beats out Lakers and Warriors to retain Adams after his critical playoff run

Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets have retained big man Steven Adams after heavy offseason speculation surrounding a potential trade move. The New Zealand born Center was poised to move to free agency after his previous contract was on the verge of expiration.

The Rockets, however, have now decided to retain the veteran center on a three-year, $39 million contract extension. In 2025–26, Adams will earn $14.1 million, an uptick from his prior deal that averaged $12.6 million annually.

Steven Adams was one of the key rotational pieces for the Houston Rockets in the previous season. The 6’11 center is widely known for his physicality and toughness on the floor. He is also called a rebounding machine, which was already visible in his performances against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Playoffs.

Per his instagram, Steven Adams is happy to be running it back with the @HoustonRockets! pic.twitter.com/sj7PYhdLxM
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) June 14, 2025

The 31-year-old was the difference maker for his side against the Warriors, who lacked strong presence across the court. He nearly flipped the first-round series, if not for Buddy Hield’s stellar Game 7 performance that sealed the Rockets’ fate. The Warriors’ front office had reportedly shown interest in acquiring Steven Adams during the offseason.

However, his injury records acted as a hesitant force. Even the Los Angeles Lakers were looking to move for the Kiwi after the departure of Anthony Davis. But both Adams and the Rockets have mutually agreed on a new deal to keep him in Houston.

Adams’ Impact Shows in Plus-Minus Advantage

Steven Adams remained a key piece for the resurgent Houston Rockets throughout the season. Houston held a +44 point differential with Adams on the floor, underlining his two-way impact. Despite his struggles at the free throw line, coach Ime Udoka continued to trust the veteran big man, where Steven Adams averaged 22.1 minutes per game in the NBA Playoffs.

However, despite having a young and a surging roster who finished second in the West, the Rockets crashed out of the playoffs against the aging Warriors. Golden State, with their playoff experience, edged out a Game 7 win to eliminate the young Rockets squad.