Rockets Trade for Adams 'Odd Decision', Says Analyst

CBS Sports' Sam Quinn scratched his head at the trade.

"The Steven Adams trade was an odd decision for Houston," Quinn wrote. "The cost was more than reasonable, but Adams won't be able to solve their short-term backup center issues, and there's no telling how valuable he'll be next season as a 31-year-old coming off of a serious knee injury. Yes, having his salary on the books as an expiring deal they can later flip would be helpful, but if the Rockets were going to add a center they couldn't use this season, why not take a higher-upside swing on Robert Williams III for a slightly higher price?"

Despite needing help in the short-term at the center position, the Rockets opted not to make a move. That is worthy of criticism. However, the decision to choose Adams over Williams was a smart choice for the Rockets.

Even though Williams has ties with the Rockets' coaching staff, he has two years left on his contract beyond the season compared to Adams' one. That gives Houston more flexibility with their roster moving forward.

Ultimately, the decision will only be determined as a good or bad one when Adams joins the team on the court next season.

The Rockets play tonight against the Toronto Raptors. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.