NBA Trade Window: 3 teams that should trade for Steven Adams

An absolute behemoth inside the paint, Steven Adams has been critical to Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff quests over the last three seasons. He meshed well with Russell Westbrook to create offense on the pick-and-roll and is one of the best players in the league when it comes to offensive rebounding.

Now with both Paul George and Westbrook traded away this off-season, the Thunder are most certainly in the middle of a rebuild. OKC might be occupying a playoff seed in the West, but as per reports, their plans of building from scratch haven't changed.

There are two years still left on the 4-year $100 million extension that Adams signed in 2016 and such a high salary doesn't fit the bill on a team not planning to compete. Nonetheless, Adams brings a lot to the table and would be a huge addition to whichever team is willing to take the plunge. Having said that, let us look at three teams that should make a move for the big Kiwi:

#3 Atlanta Hawks

After starting the season with two consecutive wins, Atlanta Hawks have been on a tumultuous downward spiral with defensive troubles continuing to haunt them. Trae Young is averaging nearly 28 points per game but the Hawks are still the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference.

While it's given that the young Atlanta core will take some time to reach its potential, Young is already a star and wants to win games. The front office has reportedly promised him help. However, that help needs to come in the form of physical presence on both ends of the court. This is where Steven Adams comes into the fray.

Adams' size will help Trae run rings around the opposition with the pick-and-roll. Additionally, Adams will add much-required solidity to the Atlanta defense inside the paint. With the Hawks ranked 28th in rebounds per game, Adams will add value with his ability to grab the boards.

Potential trade package

Atlanta could attach the bad but expiring contract of Chandler Parsons worth $25 million to match salaries and could even throw in Alex Len – who also has an expiring deal – to ensure that OKC get a big in return.

However, to make the Thunder hand over the player and take on bad contracts, the Hawks would most certainly need to offer at least two first-round picks, which they can afford to given that they have mostly settled on the core they want to develop over the next 4-5 years. OKC, on the other hand, will be likely to accept knowing that they'll be getting picks from a team that is unlikely to be playing in the postseason in the near future.

#2 Sacramento Kings

The dynamic duo of Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox could use some more star help

Sacramento Kings have recovered decently from their start-of-the-season slump and are currently challenging for one of the lower playoff seeds in the Western Conference. Despite the sheer talent at their disposal, including the exciting backcourt duo of De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, Kings are yet to find that consistency that will ensure a postseason berth.

Luke Walton's men have been under par when it comes to rebounding the ball and Steven Adams would certainly improve this part of their game. However, nobody would benefit more from Adams' presence than Marvin Bagley. The Kiwi would attract significant attention inside the paint that would free up Bagley to make a substantial impact on offense.

Fox is also a player in the mold of Russell Westbrook, with whom Adams enjoyed a good partnership. The point guard could certainly make good use of Adams' screen-game to create space for himself and eventually run the show better.

Potential trade package

The Thunder would probably be wanting Harry Giles in return as he's a forward with good potential. Veterans in Trevor Ariza and Nemanja Bjelica could also move to the other side to match salaries. The difference in the value of the deals would also ensure that OKC's wage bill slides below the luxury tax threshold.

#1 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks could become title contenders after adding Steven Adams to their roster

Nobody expected the Dallas Mavericks to be in line for a top-4 seed finish in the Western Conference. Riding the Luka Doncic wave, they have the best offense in the league. But just because they weren't supposed to contend at the beginning of the season, it shouldn't deter them from aiming for the ultimate crown.

As good as Doncic has been, with his near triple-double average for the season in addition to scoring 30 points per game, Kristaps Porzingis is yet to unlock his potential and Steven Adams could help him do just that. Porzingis has had trouble penetrating the paint and the Kiwi's physical presence would allow the former that extra bit of space that he needs to drain buckets.

Additionally, imagine the twin towers that Adams and Porzingis would form on the other end of the court. It would certainly be a block party inside the paint. Rick Carlisle's men could combine their elite offensive prowess with defensive stability to make a championship run.

Potential trade package

While Dwight Powell is certainly a center with upside and can also stretch the floor, the Mavs would have to part ways with him to land Adams. They could add the $12 million expiring contract of the underperforming Courtney Lee to match the salaries. A second-round pick could also be thrown in to sweeten the deal for OKC. However, given the fact that Powell signed an extension in the summer, the deal can only be completed after 5th January, 2020.