Should the Indiana Pacers trade Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis?

Why the Indiana Pacers should trade Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis is an incredible player on a team-friendly contract so trading him would have to be a result of a strong package in return. The two-time All-Star would be a welcome addition to a lot of teams across the league but especially those who lack a star in the frontcourt.

The idea of a Sabonis trade in return for Bradley Beal last season was worth looking into as it would have given the Wizards a big man to play with Westbrook and the Pacers receiving a high-scoring guard next to Malcolm Brogdon. There will always be a surplus of scoring guards that can elevate this Pacers team and Sabonis is the best asset to attain them.

It is clear that a package for Sabonis would have to be substantial. The trade for Nikola Vucevic by the Bulls at last year’s deadline is a good indicator of what to expect for Domas, though Sabonis is cheaper and younger so the value would be even higher.

Replacing Sabonis would also be much easier than replacing Turner on defense. Having Warren LeVert, and Brogdon on the roster keeps a strong offensive core in place whereas losing Turner on defense leaves the Pacers with no leader on that end. Sacrificing one of the four offensive assets while retaining the only defender on the team should be a factor.

That said, shipping Sabonis would only open the door for T.J. Warren and Caris LeVert to shine next season. The two have not played together so we cannot be sure the fit will work out but having two dangerous scoring threats that can get it done from anywhere on the floor is exactly what the Pacers have needed.

No disrespect to Sabonis but even with as good as he’s been on offense, he lacks the consistent outside shot to pose a real threat beyond the arc. Sliding Warren to the four and focusing on a high-paced offense is a good thing for a team that just averaged 115.3 points per game last season without arguably their best scorer.

So, who should the Indiana Pacers trade this summer?