Thunder's Reported Trade Demands for Steven Adams Are Pretty Excessive
By Jerry Trotta
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the inception stage of their first rebuild since the franchise relocated from Seattle. That overhaul began this past summer after Paul George left town for the Clippers.
Shortly thereafter, general manager Sam Presti shipped cornerstone Russell Westbrook to Houston for a profusion of future draft picks to really get the ball rolling.
When all is said and done, Steven Adams will be the only star from postseason runs of years past still on OKC's roster when the new season gets underway. Well, the Thunder are reportedly looking to offload the 26-year-old center, but their reported trade demands are markedly exorbitant.
OKC is reportedly seeking a draft pick, young player, and salary relief in a potential trade for Steven Adams, per @SeanDeveney.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 2, 2019
We'll be the first to say that Adams is one of the most underrated players in the league, but WOOF. We think highly of the big fella, but he's simply not worth a draft pick (even if it is just a second-rounder), a young asset, AND salary reprieve.
It's quite possible, however, that Presti is starting the bidding with this package, and he'll likely curtail it if he doesn't get any potential buyers. But surely an executive of his prestige knows how ambitious that reported assortment is, right?
One interesting thing in talking to folks about the @SacramentoKings and Steven Adams ... They feel they got a cheaper, nearly as good version for 3 years, $40 million in Dewayne Dedmon as a free agent. https://t.co/wtrbf8dZsp
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) October 2, 2019
We can't imagine this asking price holds up for long.