The Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to make moves to limit their luxury tax obligations, but the price on big man Steven Adams is one considered “too high” by other teams. The Thunder were reportedly hoping to make a trade with the Sacramento Kings, highlighted by young wing Bogdan Bogdanovic, who the up-and-coming team simply wouldn't move, according to Matt George of 1140 KHTK radio.
Adams was rewarded with a beefy four-year, $100 million deal in 2017 and is now owed more than $53 million for the next two seasons.
The Kiwi center is among the three highest-paid members of the Thunder, along with franchise star Russell Westbrook and Paul George, as the trio makes up 89% of the salary cap for this upcoming season.
Yet the Kings value their youth and a deal for one of their best deep threats are likely off the table for a franchise that is hoping to reap the most out of their young talent to make a stake for a playoff spot.
Adams is coming off a career-best season, tying a career-high 13.9 points per game and setting new ones with 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
While he could make an intriguing addition for a team looking for a big dipper, his traditional style of play hinders a team like OKC, who has suffered its share of woes with its lack of perimeter shooting.
Adams is an excellent finisher around the basket and a great roller in the pick-and-roll game, but one that won't necessarily move the needle when asking for young talent on the rise.
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