Domantas Sabonis, one of the league’s premier big men, could be on the move soon. With the Indiana Pacers nowhere close to offering him an extension, Sabonis could become a hot commodity in the trade market. He is one of the league’s most consistent players and his offensive arsenal provides spacing for any team.
Sabonis is a two-time NBA All-Star who has averaged over 18 points and 12 rebounds in both of his previous seasons. His shooting percentage is in the high 50s for this and he is a very good passer for his size. He is a highly-skilled scorer when his back is towards the basket and also he is one of the league’s best pick and roll bigs. His footwork, touch and basketball IQ make up for his lack of athleticism.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots against Brooklyn Nets center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Several teams are looking to acquire the big man as we approach the trade deadline. Boston, Sacramento, and Dallas are reportedly interested in recruiting Sabonis as they look to salvage their season. Contenders like Golden State and Lakers might also be interested in the Indiana Pacers Star. Whether he moves or not, the noise around him is surely not gonna die down anytime soon.
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NBA Twitter melts down as Domantas Sabonis trade rumors emerge
NBA fans went crazy when they learned Sabonis could be on the market. Every team could use a player like Sabonis and fans had insane ideas to get him to their team. Here are some of the best reactions:-
Bazemore, DJ, Ariza, and a bottle of Michael Jordan’s secret stuff for Sabonis.
— Semaj Brown (@Educated_Kid24) January 19, 2022
Wizards fans to opposing GMs when they cant trade Bertans Neto and a 1st for Grant and Sabonis pic.twitter.com/x8PF8XTU2M
— Dialante (@Deetalksalot) January 19, 2022
According to Sam Amick of the athletic
Kings seriously contemplating trade for both Tobias and Ben
Kings expected to make a big move before the deadline
If the Kings can’t get Ben they’re gonna go after Sabonis
— Real Hooper Pilled Trill (@TrillBroDude) January 18, 2022
So the Pacers options are now..
1. Accept a trade where they will get fleeced because teams will use Turner’s injury against the Pacers
2. Trade him in the off-season, where he will have 1 year left on his deal, and they will get fleeced
3. Trade Sabonis instead
4. Turbonis.
— Indiana Paincers (@IndianaPaincers) January 18, 2022
"Expect Washington to approach the trade deadline aggressively with their sights set on [Domantas Sabonis]…[Rui] Hachimura and/or [Deni] Avdija would have to be included in said deal, I’d imagine, as well as cap fillers, and some draft capital." (via @RealQuintonMayo) pic.twitter.com/TklIQUfhto
— The Trade Deadline (@_TradeDeadline) January 20, 2022
Updated top 10 in our Finishing at Rim metric for 2021-22:
1. Jarrett Allen
2. Giannis
3. LeBron
4. Robert Williams III
5. Montrezl Harrell
6. GP2
7. Miles Bridges
8. Jokic
9. Josh Hart
10. SabonisThis is our difficulty-adjusted shooting proficiency metric once at the rim.
— BBall Index (@The_BBall_Index) January 17, 2022
The #Pacers are asking for an All-Star in return for Domantas Sabonis and are seeking a package of picks and young players for other starters like Myles Turner and Caris LeVert, per @JaredWeissNBA.
— Zach Pearson (@zapearsonNBA) January 19, 2022
Fox for Sabonis really doesn't make sense to me. Sabonis would be great with Haliburton but I don't think that makes the team better. Just makes them different.
I'm so nervous about any type of move like that.
— LLcoolRay (@LLcoolRay14) January 19, 2022
I’d kill for the Hornets to trade for Sabonis
— Dom 🅿️residente (@dom9405) January 19, 2022
Kings fans who want Simmons vs Kings fans who wants Sabonis pic.twitter.com/PZjO0xCtL2
— iamTHEREALVEGASMURPH (@RealMurphdog916) January 19, 2022
Things could get really interesting as multiple teams could offer a variety of deals for Sabonis. The Indiana Pacers will have a decision to make as it would be highly unlikely that they make the playoffs. Since Myles Turner being out until the trade deadline, they cannot include him in any talks, and with a rebuild looking imminent, the Pacers should look to get young talent and future draft picks.
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But they would be losing an All-Star in Sabonis. A player like him can elevate playoff teams to contenders while he could propel some teams to the playoffs. With the deadline fast approaching, things will surely get spicy as teams will look to fine-tune their rosters.
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