Branden Carlson vs Steven Adams

Steven Adams scored more in 2025-26, 0.0 points a game apart (5.8 vs 5.8), on Carlson's heavier usage (18.5% vs 11.6%).

Carlson is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 61.3% to 53.5%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Adams (1.5 vs 0.7 assists), the glass to Adams (8.6 vs 3.0 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Carlson played 10 more games (42 vs 32 of 82).

With Adams on the floor his team outscored opponents by +11.8 per 100 possessions, against -2.0 for Carlson; on-court net rating carries the teammates with it, so read it next to PIE.

On the books for 2026-27: Carlson $2.4M through 2026-27, Adams $13.0M through 2027-28. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.