Pacers: Ranking Domantas Sabonis among other 2019 rookie extensions

Domantas Sabonis is the perfect mix of affordability and star power

Four years, $74,900,000 (18,725,000 per year)

And here we are. At the very best contract signed this summer, Domantas Sabonis checks in at first overall.

Sure, this might be a somewhat biased and homer opinion, but I don’t think it’s the wrong one. Dejounte Murray’s contract looks affordable at just $16 million per year, and he has yet to even flirt with an All-Star spot.

Sabonis is just $2.73 million more expensive per year (and over $14 million cheaper than Simmons), and so far has hit a much higher ceiling. Though Murray may project to have more influence over his team’s success, Sabonis is the second large building block to the big picture here in Indiana.

Sabonis has been a team MVP for a roster that is fifth in the Eastern Conference without their best player. Sabonis is tied for second in assists on his team because he’s the offensive foundation through many points of the game.

Despite being one of the most affordable contracts of all of these extensions, Sabonis boasts the second best PER of all of these players at 20.7, just 0.1 behind the leader in Ben Simmons.

Averaging 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, Sabonis has leaped into the new expanded role the Pacers are entrusting him with. Prior to this extension he was mentioned in trade rumors, and now it’s Myles Turner that looks like the odd man out in the frontcourt.

There’s reason to believe the massive starting frontcourt can continue to press on and do good things.

One thing is for sure, though, Sabonis has been well worth the money so far. This extension was one of the smartest things Kevin Pritchard has done as president.