3 reasons why OKC Thunder shouldn't trade Steven Adams

The OKC Thunder are roughly three weeks removed from the playoffs. Their off-season began much earlier than anticipated, in turn, trade rumors are in mid-season form.

Since the season ended April, 27th, trade rumors have been swirling around the OKC Thunder like a carousel. While Thunder Nation is well aware of the never subsiding Russell Westbrook trade proposals another players name is hot on the trade front, Steven Adams.

Over the past few weeks, two reliable NBA reporters have mentioned Adams name in trade scenarios. Most recently Jason Lloyd of the Athletic as TI’s Tamberlyn Richard highlighted in Saturday’s edition of In the News.

The earlier report surfaced April, 30th via Anthony Chiang of the My Palm Beach Post. Chiang suggested a package centered around Adams, Carmelo Anthony, and Hassan Whiteside among other Heat players to make the money work.

Furthermore, If the Thunder were to trade Steven Adams it would be one of the franchises worst decisions. Let’s review the reasons why the trade would be detrimental to Oklahoma City.

Too unique to deal away

Short of trading Adams for Anthony Davis you are not getting back a player who provides all that Adams does, including his youth. While it’s fun to fantasize about LeBron in OKC, if it requires losing Adams the loss may outweigh the reward. Steven Adams is 24 years of age whereas LeBron James is 33 years of age.

If the OKC Thunder lose Paul George and move Adams in favor of adding LeBron, the trio of he, Russ, and Melo would all be 30 or older next season. Not ideal in the fast paced Western Conference.

In addition to getting older if OKC indeed went this route to get LeBron. The Thunder would face yet another dilemma who would replace Adams in the starting five? Perhaps the Cleveland Cavaliers would include Ante Zizic in the deal. However Zizic only 6’11 meaning OKC would be going significantly small. OKC could go with an in-house option by starting Dakari Johnson or Patrick Patterson. While both players offer pros and cons it could be a high-risk high reward move.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Last but not the least the OKC Thunder could add a veteran center willing to play for the minimum similar to what the Warriors did with JaVale McGee or Zaza Pachulia. Regardless of the option, they go with, none are going to be better than Adams.

Risk Disrupting Team Chemistry

Adams appears to be beloved by all his teammates. He and fellow starter Andre Roberson have a clear bond. Adams on-court chemistry with Westbrook could very well be the best Russ has ever had with a teammate. Chemistry with Adams is good, trading him for an unknown would be risky. See for example the Carmelo experiment.

Willingness to Sacrifice

Steven Adams has openly said he is okay with deferring rebounds to Westbrook. Willingness to sacrifice your own numbers for your teammate’s betterment is the ultimate sign of a terrific teammate. Most athletes prefer to pad their own numbers than help improve their teammates, but Adams is the opposite.

Whichever side the athlete resides on is fine. However, when a team finds a player willing to relinquish their own stats, they should hold onto them.

Final Verdict

In conclusion trading, Steven Adams would be as difficult to swallow as trading Westbrook. Seeing Adams in another uniform would be a gut punch, he looks like a Thunder. Hopefully, it’s just scuttlebutt and Adams will be with OKC for the duration of his career or at least the majority of it.

It’s also worth noting the OKC Thunder worked out at least two projected lottery picks during the NBA combine. Adams would likely be the only asset OKC could use to move into the lottery in this deep draft.

Next: The Kiwi bible - ultimate Steven Adams guide

In due time whether or not OKC is willing to trade Adams will be revealed. Possibly as soon as June 21st the night of the NBA draft.

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3 reasons why OKC Thunder shouldn’t trade Steven Adams

By Alex Mcewen | May 21, 2018