NBA Trade Rumours: 3 teams that could complete a deal for Steven Adams

Steven Adams has been a fundamental part of the Thunder organization for the past half a decade, although the popular Kiwi's future with the team is doubtful following a summer of change. The departures of Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Jerami Grant signalled an end to the Thunder's first era in Oklahoma City with GM Sam Presti now fully focused on the future, having accumulated a historic number of draft picks.

Due to the current strength of the Western Conference, the Thunder are unlikely to compete again for a playoff spot anytime soon and many believe Presti is willing to offload his remaining high earners at some stage.

Among those expected to attract interest is Steven Adams. The 26-year-old center has two years remaining on his existing deal and some critics have backed him as a future All-Star. So, with the possibility that the Thunder could let Adams leave, here are three potential trade destinations to look out for:

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#3 New York Knicks

Steven Adams would be a considerable upgrade over the Knicks' current center options

Despite long being backed as the most likely destination for the top talents of the 2019 free-agent class, the New York Knicks endured another miserable summer. The franchise failed in their high-profile pursuit of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and suffered further embarrassment when the All-Star duo opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets instead.

The franchise responded by signing several veterans to short-term deals, although Adams would provide the franchise with a future star whose effort and hustle would appeal to the team's fanbase.

A trade route also seems fairly straightforward, as the Thunder could take on the likes of Taj Gibson and Elfrid Payton for a season, before declining their second-year team options. That would consequently allow them to clear cap space 12 months early, while the Knicks would finally earn a player who could form an important role in their future.

#2 Miami Heat

The Heat are looking to pair Jimmy Butler with a second star

The Miami Heat entered the summer with the intent to shed salary as Pat Riley looked ahead to making a play for the top stars of the 2020 free agency class. However, the Heat's stance quickly changed after completing a surprise deal for Jimmy Butler and Riley is now eager to pair a second star with the former Chicago man.

The Heat explored making a move for Russell Westbrook before the 2017 MVP completed a quickfire trade to the Rockets, although Miami may return to Oklahoma City with an enticing offer for Adams.

Sending Goran Dragic's expiring deal to OKC alongside a promising talent such as Justise Winslow would likely be enough to get a deal done and the Heat would be acquiring a potential future All-Star in Adams. The Kiwi's arrival may not be enough to put the Heat among the top contenders, although his arrival would prove an excellent starting point for the Jimmy Butler era.

#1 Boston Celtics

Steven Adams is a superior option to the recently acquired Enes Kanter

The Boston Celtics added plenty of youthful bigs in June's draft, although the team looks short on quality following the departure of Al Horford. The undersized center was among the NBA's best stoppers and his replacement Enes Kanter is well known for his poor defense and inconsistent form.

Due to this, a center is still believed to be at the top of Brad Stevens' wishlist and Adams is perhaps the most effective available option this summer. Having flourished alongside Westbrook in Oklahoma, the Celtics would expect similar results between himself and Kemba Walker, with the center expected to have no trouble averaging a double-double.

In terms of what will make the trade work, OKC would need to take on the final two years of Gordon Hayward's mammoth deal, although the contract length shouldn’t prove too difficult a problem for a team facing a multi-year rebuild.