Adams joined the Grizzlies last summer in a deal for Jonas Valanciunas. While the impetus for the original deal seemed to be draft position — Memphis moved into the lottery to select Ziaire Williams at No. 10, and got a Los Angeles first-round pick (protected 1-10) that didn’t convey when the Lakers imploded — Adams was an excellent fit in the Grizzlies’ defense-first system, as the team tied a franchise record with 56 wins.
“Aquaman” (or, “Aqua Mane”) pulled down 10 rebounds per game, and the team was 5.1 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the court. Adams didn’t shoot much, but he’s an effective offensive player by virtue of setting some of the hardest screens in the NBA.
Even as they’ve become title contenders, Memphis has steadily built via trades and the draft, eschewing free agent signings. Their only signing this summer was to bring back point guard Tyus Jones, and they brought in five rookies on draft night. That makes a veteran like Adams more valuable, especially since Memphis is loaded with young talent, but not at center. Jaren Jackson Jr. is out with a broken foot, after missing nearly the entire 2020-21 season with injury.
With the cap expected to dramatically rise in 2024, keeping Adams through his age-31 season at $12.6M per year is a very affordable insurance policy for the Grizzlies. Why risk him leaving in free agency next summer? And if they eventually decide to make a big move, that’s a very tradeable deal. After all, every single NBA team needs rebounding and bone-crushing screens.
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