Houston acquired Steven Adams from Memphis for Victor Oladipo's expiring contract and three second-round picks, including the 2024 selection used on Jaylen Wells.
Steven Adams was recovering from knee surgery and was not expected to play in 2023-24, so Houston made a long-view move rather than a deadline rental. The Rockets believed his screening, offensive rebounding, physical defense, and locker-room presence would fit a young roster once he returned. Victor Oladipo's expiring contract and three second-round picks were a controlled price for a veteran archetype the team did not otherwise possess.
After missing the remainder of 2023-24, Adams played 58 games for Houston in 2024-25 and became one of the league's most productive rebounders per minute. From December forward, he ranked second on the team in plus-minus, and his offensive-rebounding rate was historically strong. The Rockets then extended him for three years, evidence that the organization viewed the trade as a successful fit rather than a temporary experiment.
Against Golden State in the 2025 playoffs, Adams' size changed the possession battle. He averaged 5.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.1 minutes, and Houston could pair him with Alperen Şengün to punish smaller lineups on the glass. The Rockets lost in seven games, but Adams' minutes supplied a repeatable postseason advantage rather than empty regular-season production.
The Grizzlies received Oladipo and three second-round selections. The most favorable 2024 pick landed at No. 39 and became Jaylen Wells, who started 74 games as a rookie and averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds before a late-season wrist injury. Finding a legitimate young rotation wing in the second round gave Memphis a concrete return far beyond simple salary relief.
Memphis also received the selections that became Ulrich Chomche and Will Richard. Neither needs to become a star for the transaction to remain successful because Wells already supplied strong value at No. 39. The additional picks gave the Grizzlies multiple inexpensive development chances while moving a center who was injured and no longer central to their immediate direction.
The old Houston C-plus no longer reflects what happened. Adams became a major rebounding weapon, playoff rotation piece, and extended veteran; Houston deserves an A-minus. Memphis also deserves an A-minus for converting the package into Wells plus two more prospects and flexibility. With equal high grades supported by distinct benefits, this is one of the rare Even Trade verdicts that should remain even.
This was a genuine win-win. Houston received an elite offensive rebounder and playoff-ready center whose impact justified a three-year extension. Memphis turned the principal second-round pick into Jaylen Wells and retained two additional prospect outcomes. The verdict remains Even Trade, but Houston's grade rises from C-plus to A-minus, matching Memphis at A-minus.