The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, including two in 2024 and one in 2025.

Adams has been dealing with persistent knee problems, keeping him off the court for over a year. After suffering a PCL sprain in January 2023, he missed the entire previous season.

Despite expectations of a return this season, non-operative rehab didn’t address the issue, leading to Adams undergoing season-ending knee surgery in October. While Adams won’t be able to contribute to the Rockets this season, the team is looking toward the future, hoping for his strong presence once he recovers.

 

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A post shared by Steven Funaki Adams (@stevenadams)

Known for his screening, defensive skills, and rebounding, Adams, though not a high scorer, brings valuable attributes to the game. Last season, he achieved a career-high of 11.5 rebounds before his injury. The Rockets are optimistic that Adams will serve as a solid interior presence once he’s back on the court.

Rockets get:

• Steven Adams

Grizzlies get:

• Victor Oladipo, Two 2024 second-round picks and One 2025 second-round pick

Additionally, the Rockets see Adams as a mentor for Alperen Sengun, a rising star big man. Sengun can benefit from Adams’ guidance off the court, as Adams is widely regarded as one of the league’s best teammates.

 

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On the flip side, Victor Oladipo, acquired by the Grizzlies, has been sidelined for the entire season due to injury, and there’s uncertainty about when or if he will return to playing.

The Afrobeat star has a career average of 16.9 points per game since he was selected out of Indiana with the second overall pick in 2013. But his scoring average has decreased over the last three years.

Oladipo’s best season came in 2017-18, when he averaged 23.1 points with Indiana, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game.