New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams’ contract extension was a wise move

The New Orleans Pelicans are making a smart move by giving recently added big man Steven Adams a 2-year contract extension

The New Orleans Pelicans followed up one of their biggest moves of the offseason by adding some significant cash into the mix. After trading for big man Steven Adams only a few days ago, ESPN’s Zach Lowe is reporting that the organization is also rewarding him with a 2-year 35 million dollar contract extension that’ll kick in after this season.

If you’re thinking, wow that’s a lot of money to give to a big man who isn’t as offensively skilled as most other players at that position, let me stop you right there. What the Pelicans front office has done by extending Adams is actually another shrewd move by David Griffin, even if it’s a gamble, and here’s why.

Why it makes sense for the New Orleans Pelicans to tack two more years onto Adams’ contract

I have several reasons why I love the Pelicans organization deciding to extend Steven Adams now, and they stem from production and value.

Steven Adams is one of the most consistent and productive big men in the NBA. Ever since becoming a full-time starter in 2016, he’s averaged double digits in scoring, 9 rebounds, and a block per game while setting amazing screens and playing tough defense in the paint. Since his production hasn’t wavered at all, Adams deserves to be rewarded for his consistency and this extension does that.

However, there’s reason to believe that Adams could actually get better in this upcoming season based on what he did last year. Last season, with Russell Westbrook’s ball-dominant play gone from the Thunder’s roster, Adams showcased his underrated passing ability more by averaging 2.3 assists per game.

That assist total is solid for a big man, and it doesn’t even paint the whole picture of what he did either. So many times last season did I see Adams receive the ball in a pick-and-roll situation and either hand the ball right back off to a cutting player or dish it out of the paint to shooter.

That’s where value comes in, Adams’ 35 million dollar extension will actually put him at less than he’s making this season in terms of average annual value. This season, Adams is set up to make 27 million dollars while during his extension, he’ll only make an average of $17.5 million a year. A steep drop in price with increased production can always be considered a smart move.

Not only that, but the Pelicans are anticipating Adams to play a huge role in Stan Van Gundy’s system this year. If he balls out in a system that turned Dwight Howard and Andre Drummond into All-Stars then this extension will be much less than what Adams could’ve demanded next offseason.

Altogether, this contract extension may seem premature and a little too rich for some fans’ likings, but that’s just how NBA money always seems. I guarantee you if Steven Adams makes the New Orleans Pelicans a better team on the floor next season, no one will bat an eye at this extension, in fact, some might even end up praising it.