The Houston Rockets defied all expectations throughout the 2024-25 NBA campaign, going from four straight years without a playoff appearance to opening the postseason as the Western Conference's No. 2 seed with a 52-30 record. Unfortunately, the good vibes ended with Sunday's 103-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 7.
Now that the season is over, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will have a busy offseason ahead of him — especially when it comes to free agency. Spotrac lists Houston as having five veterans who are either on expiring contracts or are carrying club options this summer, including one locker room leader who must be back with the Rockets this fall.
Rockets Must Bring Steven Adams Back Next Season
Of the Rockets' pending unrestricted free agents, Steven Adams is often atop the list of veterans who Houston fans want back next season.
Adams, 31, is an 11-year veteran who made his way to the Rockets when he was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. Having said that, the New Zealand-born big man didn't play a game for Houston last season as he continued rehabbing from PCL surgery.
The former 2013 first-rounder worked hard throughout the summer intending to play meaningful minutes for the Rockets this year. He ended up playing 58 games (3 starts), resulting in 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 54.5% from the floor on 13.7 minutes per night. Although it was far from his most productive year, Adams' impact off the bench — both on the floor and as a vocal leader — played a big role in Houston's success.
Adams continued to be a veteran force into the playoffs, averaging 5.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and a 60.0 FG% in seven outings. He even played a big role in the Rockets' series-tying Game 6 victory, finishing with 15 points, five boards, three blocks, and a steal while going 9-of-16 (56.3%) at the free-throw line.
Now that he's about to hit free agency, the Rockets must do whatever it takes to re-sign Adams. The veteran rebounder clearly loves Houston and vice versa, and it wouldn't be unfathomable to imagine his potentially taking a pay cut to continue helping the Rockets reach their next level.
The allure of joining an instant contender might be attractive to some veterans, especially those who are chasing rings. Everything about Adams' career so far suggests that he isn't that kind of player, leaving time to tell if he'll prioritize helping to continue building the Rockets' culture or leave to chase his first NBA title elsewhere.