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Extension deadline day for Sabonis and Indiana Pacers

By Justin Byers

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 27: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 27: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Today marks the NBA’s contract extension deadline and the Indiana Pacers are in the midst of the madness as Domantas Sabonis seeks an extension.

Today is important for the Indiana Pacers. This evening at 6 p.m. EST marks the NBA’s official contract extension deadline and Domantas Sabonis is the Pacers’ top priority as it looms.

After being nominated last season for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Sabonis put the league on notice as to how productive he can be as a big man on a nightly basis.

Sabonis’ success turned him into a potential hot commodity for teams now and in the future. Whether it be via trade or this summer in free agency, the Pacers were put in a position to handle Sabonis’ contract situation, sooner rather than later.

Over the last few days, it has been noted that the asking price for Sabonis and his camp is similar to that of Myles Turner. This has caused the Pacers’ front office to inquire teams about trading for Sabonis. However, two days before the regular season opens, dealing with Sabonis may not be in the best interest of the team as they look to get off to a strong start. But business is business.

Sabonis has been a major component of the team for the past two seasons and has been an integral part of the team’s chemistry and morale. With that being said, it is unlikely for the Pacers to trade Sabonis, but to have him play out this season.

However, that allows teams to match offers at the end of the season as he would reach free agency. That may place the Pacers on the outside looking in when paying the power forward / center this summer.

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The Pacers have some tough decisions to make but expect the front office to put the team in a position to succeed, regardless of today’s outcome. 6 p.m. couldn’t come any sooner for clarity moving forward.

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