Sign big NBA extensions

NBA big men commanded big money 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 a reported $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.

Adams's deal was reported early Monday to be in the works. The deadline was midnight Eastern time (0400 GMT) for teams to sign players in the 2013 draft class to extensions -- or risk them becoming restricted free agents at the end of the season and finding new teams.

The Thunder, rebuilding after the free agent departure of Kevin Durant to Golden State, also inked guard Victor Oladipo to a deal said to be worth $84 million.

"We are excited to extend our partnership with Steven and Victor," said Thunder executive Sam Presti. "Both players represent the Thunder's present and future, exhibiting the values that the Oklahoma community and our organization hold in high regard: hard work, team first, resiliency and citizenship." 

In three-plus seasons with the Thunder, Adams has appeared in 234 games (170 starts) and averaged 6.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.00 blocked shots in 21.7 minutes. Through three games this season, Adams is averaging 13.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in 34.9 minutes of action.

Adams scored in double figures 25 times last season to go along with six double-doubles on the year. During the Thunder's run to the 2016 Western Conference Finals, Adams recorded six double-doubles and averaged 10.1 points and 9.5 rebounds in 22 post-season games.

Gobert, 24, arrived in Utah on draft night in 2013 and has established himself as a dominant defensive force. This season, he's averaging 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2.7 blocks through Utah's first three games.

- Timberwolves ink Dieng -

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced they had signed Senegalese big man Gorgui Dieng, taken 21st overall in 2013, to a multi-year extension.

Dieng -- who averaged 10.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 blocks and a career-best 1.1 steals in 82 games last season -- was reportedly rewarded with a four-year extension worth $64 million.

The Charlotte Hornets secured the services of forward/center Cody Zeller with an extension reported by USA Today to be worth $56 million over four years.

Three other members of the 2013 draft class had signed lucrative extensions before deadline day: Portland's C.J. McCollum, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Atlanta's Dennis Schroder.

Source: AFP