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Steven Adams has developed into one of the NBA's most consistent big men since being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2013. He has racked up almost 500 regular-season appearances with the Thunder, and the 26-year-old has been backed as a potential future All-Star.
Adams is also coming off a season in which he posted career highs in points (13.9) and rebounds (9.5), although his future with the franchise is in doubt as general manager Sam Presti appears determined to offload his remaining high earners following the departures of Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
Adams is under contract for two more years, and despite being owed more than $52 million, the center still has plenty to offer to much of the NBA. However, here we will look at three teams that should avoid making a move for the Thunder star.
#3 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have won a combined 49 games over the past two seasons, and the team is unlikely to compete for the playoffs anytime soon. Nevertheless, despite developing young talent over the past 24 months, recent supports have suggested that the Bulls could break up much of the current roster as they pursue a trade for a big name.
While Adams' age (26) and style of play make him a viable target for the rebuilding Bulls, his fit on the current roster is less than ideal as Wendell Carter Jr. could enjoy a breakout second year. The Duke product only turned 20 earlier this year, and there is a feeling around the league that the hugely promising center could make a huge jump in Year 2. Ultimately, making a bold move could be a good option for the Bulls, although adding a new center shouldn't be a priority.
#2 San Antonio Spurs
After surpassing expectations during the 2018-19 season, the San Antonio Spurs will once again be in the playoff mix. However, Gregg Popovich's team is unlikely to trouble the best teams in the Western Conference, and after another quiet offseason, some analysts have suggested that a blockbuster trade is San Antonio's only way to get back into contention.
The Spurs have the means to complete a trade for Adams by sending the likes of Rudy Gay and Marco Belinelli to Oklahoma City, although LaMarcus Aldridge has excelled at the five over the past two seasons, and it would be a mistake to move the 34-year-old back to power forward. Admittedly, the Spurs need to make a bold move sooner rather than later, although the timing doesn't appear right to go all-in on a deal for another center.
#1 Miami Heat
With the new season just two weeks away, the Miami Heat have yet to sign a second star. The franchise is desperate to sign a big name to play alongside the recently acquired Jimmy Butler, and have been linked with the likes of Chris Paul and Bradley Beal.
Adams has also been mentioned as a potential target, and while he would improve the current Heat roster, it is debatable how much better he is than the recently departed Hassan Whiteside. Additionally, taking the remaining two years of Adams' expensive contract will also make it difficult for Miami to add further talent, and the pairing of Adams and Butler is unlikely to be enough to challenge the Sixers and Bucks. Ultimately, Miami should move forward with the development of Bam Adebayo at the center, and instead target a true second star such as Beal.
