As the 2025 NBA Finals continue, the Houston Rockets are one of the 28 franchises already in full offseason mode. The 2024-25 campaign was a success for the Ime Udoka-coached squad, as the Rockets finished second in the Western Conference with an impressive 52-30 record. Even if the playoff run didn't last long, the future is bright in Houston.
The 2025 NBA draft is the first major stop on the Rockets' offseason calendar; however, some fans have already been looking beyond that. Free agency will start shortly after the draft ends, and Houston supporters are wondering which pending free agents will be re-signed and which won't.
It turns out those fans didn't have to wait long for the first shoe to drop.
Rockets Re-Sign C Steven Adams to 3-Year, $39 Million Contract Before Free Agency
On Saturday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Rockets have re-signed pending UFA center Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract. The 31-year-old big man was expected to be one of the more coveted big men this offseason, and Houston just guaranteed he'll stick with the team through the 2027-28 campaign.
Just In: Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. After playing a key rotation and leadership role in the Rockets' playoff run, the new deal keeps a top center out of free agency. pic.twitter.com/yWUnnQrRgh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2025
Adams has spent well over a decade in the NBA, beginning his career as a first-round draft pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013. The New Zealand-born rebounder has since become one of the league's most respected frontcourt presences, building up his reputation during stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies after being traded from the Thunder in 2020.
Adams' career hit a massive roadblock in 2023 when he tore his PCL, forcing him to miss the entire season. The Grizzlies traded him to the Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and a trio of second-rounders before the 2024 trade deadline, officially beginning his comeback attempt.
Fortunately, the 6-foot-11 veteran capitalized on his fresh start in Houston. Moving into a backup center role, Adams averaged 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 54.5% from the floor in 58 games (3 starts) with the Rockets. That's without mentioning how his 20 rebounds per 100 possessions were the top rate in the NBA.
Against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs, the Rockets' leader put up 5.7 points on 60.0 FG%, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while playing 22.1 minutes per night. The performance was good enough to convince Houston to keep him around for another three seasons.
The Rockets have one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA, but veteran leadership is a must if they want to take their game to the next level. Locking Adams down is one step toward accomplishing that task, leaving time to tell where the offseason will take Houston next.