NBA News Roundup, Friday, September 27th: Steven Adams set to remain with Oklahoma City Thunder, Wizards not worried about losing Bradley Beal and more

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder planning to keep Steven Adams

Steven Adams has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2013

After losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season back in April, the Oklahoma City Thunder opted to enter rebuild mode. The Thunder have since traded Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Jerami Grant, while Steven Adams is among the remaining high earners that have been backed to leave before the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, general manager Sam Presti still has plans to keep the Kiwi center:

Presti said he’s really excited for Steven Adams: “He still has growth left in his game. He’s the ultimate blocking, tackling player, but he’s a talented player. He’ll have the opportunity to do a little bit more.”

— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) September 26, 2019

Adams was drafted by the Thunder back in 2013 and has been a regular starter since the 2014-15 season. The 2018-19 campaign was the best of Adams' career as he averaged career highs in points (13.9) and rebounds (9.5). The 26-year-old still has two years left to run on the four-year, $100 million contract he signed back in 2016.