Wizards ‘Zeroed In’ On Sabonis Trade; Path To Potential Deal

Domantas Sabonis, Washington Wizards, Indana Pacers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Indiana Pacers have been tracked closely as a potential seller ahead of the NBA trade deadline and those efforts have already begun. They moved Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Ricky Rubio’s expiring deal and draft capital. What’s next?

It has been reported by various outlets that Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis could very well end up being among the next players to be dealt by the Pacers. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has even refereed to both players as being ‘prominent in trade talks’ ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.

The asking price is high for Sabonis and has been alluded to as being similar to what the Orlando Magic received ahead of last year’s NBA trade deadline in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. To get that deal done, the Chicago Bulls parted with Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks.

The market is a limited one in terms of potential suitors for Sabonis. Not because of his ability, but due to the need to be featured offensively and his limitations on defense. A team would need to really want that traditional big man style and to work the ball inside.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Wizards-Pacers Trade Lands Domantas Sabonis In D.C.

One team that has been linked to Sabonis as of late has been the Washington Wizards in an attempt to appeal to Bradley Beal ahead of his need to decide on his future. Beal has once again grown disgruntled with the losing in D.C. and while he hasn’t asked for the team to trade for Sabonis, it’s been leaked in reports that he’d like that done.

With the Washington Wizards’ focus being to build around Beal, that can only be done if he’s content. According to Quinton Mayo of Blue Wire, the Wizards have ‘zeroed in’ on Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Wizards-Pacers Trade Lands Domantas Sabonis In D.C.

ESPN’s Bobby Mark recently floated a framework for a trade package consisting of Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and two first-round picks (2025 & 2027) for Domantas Sabonis. Washington would not legally be allowed to make that deal given they are partially Stepien-locked and are only eligible to send out their 2028 first-round pick.

Ultimately, it would be vital for the Pacers to determine if they want young players like Corey Kispert, Rui Hachimura, or Deni Avdija given the lack of draft assets that Washington has to work with. One of those players would surely need to be dealt to a third-team to have draft assets go to Indiana, if not.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Wizards-Pacers Trade Lands Domantas Sabonis In D.C.

The main building block the Indiana Pacers have is Chris Duarte from a long-term perspective along with whoever is selected with their 2022 first-round pick. In a draft filled with frontcourt players, adding a wing with shooting upside like Corey Kispert could be an enticing option.

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