Indiana Pacers: Analyzing B/R’s trade proposal sending Sabonis to the Kings

Why the Indiana Pacers should not agree to this proposed deal

If anything, this feels like a somewhat streamlined deal on the part of the Kings. Harrison Barnes is a fine player, but having him as an asset to banner a return for Domantas Sabonis projects the impression that the Indiana Pacers will be settling instead of acclimating in this transaction which, while fitting for the team’s needs, seems like a lesser route to take especially when an All-Star is involved.

Also, this won’t be a viable move if Indiana wants to cut costs to install better pieces on the team. After all, his not-so-modest contract worth north of 20 million with two years still remaining will come in as the second most lucrative in the team’s salary books.

This is further aggravated by the inclusion of Delon Wright, who is slated to earn 8.5 million next season. While taking in salary to sweeten the pot is good, the veteran guard is not a long-term solution for the team, especially with his limited perimeter game putting a cap on his effectivity as a floor general in today’s game.

Ultimately, this trade idea also doesn’t seem spotless even when seeing it from the perspective of the Pacers nagging the ninth pick in the deep upcoming draft. After all, Sabonis is a proven commodity as an All-Star big man with still room to improve entering his prime. Dangling him with eyes on an uncertain prospect as the main prize, even if talented, is more of a gamble than a justified haul.

If Indiana indeed opts to keep Myles Turner and deal Sabonis instead to seal the deal on their big man plight, better offers should surface than what Sacramento can hatch, especially with teams facing a rather unimpressive crop of free agents and squads seeking maximum competitiveness with the current wide-open nature of the NBA.