This Pacers-Thunder trade would send Domantas Sabonis back to OKC

Pacers, Domantas Sabonis, Victor Oladipo
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Rationale for Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder had too many centers on the roster when Domantas Sabonis was initially on the team. He had to fill an awkward stretch-four role that didn’t match the strengths of his game.

Unless the Thunder were to move on from Steven Adams, it’s difficult to envision a clean fit in the frontcourt by inerting Sabonis. There would need to be some sort of roster reconfiguration in the frontcourt.

From a long-term standpoint, the Thunder would benefit from fielding a duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Sabonis would be intriguing. Oklahoma City would have a real pick-and-roll combination and would be able to operate out of handoffs.

Moving on from the No. 25 pick wouldn’t be much of an issue for the Thunder. However, a 2022 first-round pick from the Clippers could end up being quite valuable if Los Angeles’ contention hopes continue to crumble.

Would trading such an asset such as the Clippers’ 2022 first-round pick be the right move in exchange for an interior-based center? The Thunder would need to believe Sabonis can make a Nikola Jokic type of leap.

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