LOS ANGELES (AFP) – NBA big men commanded big money Monday as New Zealander Steven Adams and France’s Rudy Gobert inked massive contract extensions hours before a key free agency deadline.
Adams, who has emerged as a standout center since being taken 12th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, signed an extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder that US media reported was worth $100 million over four years.
Utah center Gobert – dubbed the “Stifle Tower” for the smothering defense he delivers – signed an extension with the Jazz worth $102 million over four years.
Neither team confirmed the gaudy numbers, but both voiced delight at locking up players they see as key to their futures.