What happens for Pacers if Turner/Sabonis pairing doesn’t work?

Second Option: Let’s Make a Deal

This is tough to consider, but it’s a possible reality. If Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis can’t figure it out in the starting lineup, and Sabonis doesn’t want to accept moving back to the bench, a trade could become imminent.

Sabonis is a fan favorite. No one would want to see him go. But between the two, Turner’s All-NBA caliber defense and development into a good three point shooter is simply too valuable to walk away from. Despite his ceiling and awesome offensive talent, Sabonis feels like he’d be the odd man out.

It’s hard to say what he could return on the trade market, especially if his 2019-2020 season gets off to a shaky start. Regardless, his skills are now known league-wide, so in theory, the Indiana Pacers could send him elsewhere in order to address a more pressing position of need.

A team like the Boston Celtics that could use a building block at the center position comes to mind. Could Pritchard work a deal with Danny Ainge to acquire a player like Jaylen Brown to play on the wing for the Pacers? Could Indy package some things along with Domantas to pry away a guy like Bradley Beal from the might-as-well-rebuild Washington Wizards?

It’s impossible to say. But opposing teams know Sabonis’ value, and someone might offer up a guard or wing that simply makes more sense for the Pacers if the double-center approach doesn’t work out.

Let’s be clear; keeping Domantas Sabonis on the Indiana Pacers is probably the best option. Continuity can be key in the NBA. He’s very close with Oladipo. His offensive talent is rare at his position in the modern league. Hopefully Nate McMillan and the rest of the coaching staff can make this thing work. But if not, at least the team has options.