The Indiana Pacers are going to be one of the teams a lot of people have their eyes on for the next few weeks as the NBA trade deadline approaches. It was recently revealed that they are considering doing a rebuild, and a few of their better players are reportedly going to be made available for trade.
Among the players that were mentioned is two-time All-Star, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis had been the Indiana Pacers’ best player the last few seasons but has seen his role adjusted with Rick Carlisle taking over as head coach.
While he has the ball in his hands less, as the offense is being run through him in the high post as often, Sabonis is making the most of his opportunities. He has the highest effective field goal percentage of his career at 62.2 percent and is still putting up an impressive 18.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
Of all the players that were mentioned as possible trade candidates in Indiana, Sabonis would likely land the best return package. Sabonis has shown that he is a versatile offensive piece, something plenty of teams would love to have on their roster.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers Expected To Receive ‘Strong Interest’ In Sabonis Trade
While not to the level of Nikola Jokic, you can put Sabonis in similar situations offensively and he can hold his own. He is a solid passer and playmaker and would upgrade the offense of virtually any team in the NBA were he to be acquired.
Which teams could be interested in him? The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns were mentioned as two possibilities. The Portland Trail Blazers, where his father, Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis spent the entirety of his NBA career, has also been a popular landing spot.
Recently, there was another team that emerged; the San Antonio Spurs. NBA Analysis Network’s own Evan Massey provided the scoop, saying the Spurs are a team to watch in the Sabonis sweepstakes.
San Antonio is in that awkward position in the NBA of being stuck in the middle. They are closer to contending for the No. 1 pick than a championship but they have some solid pieces in place. Sabonis would help push them into the NBA Play-In Tournament, providing their offense a boost as a go-to player to help replace DeMar DeRozan.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers Expected To Receive ‘Strong Interest’ In Sabonis Trade
Who would the Indiana Pacers be looking to acquire from the San Antonio Spurs in a swap? San Antonio has some intriguing wing players in Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Lonnie Walker IV.
One of them could be a part of the package. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White were reportedly available for the right price in the offseason and what the team had on the table in discussions for Ben Simmons.
Does San Antonio view Domantas Sabonis on the same level as Ben Simmons? We will have to wait and find out as the NBA trade market is assuredly going to begin heating up.
