While the Indiana Pacers remain a hot customer as the trade deadline inches closer, the Domantas Sabonis trade front has been eerily quiet over the last month or so. With Myles Turner and Caris LeVert getting much of the attention, it seems that the two-time All-Star is here to stay for the time being.
Like clockwork, however, that could easily change with the franchise currently in a state of flux and teams ramping up talks before February 10. Actually, the Sabonis sweepstakes have gotten a bit of a reboot, with the Washington Wizards recently reported to be in pursuit of the Lithuanian big man, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.
With much attention on Bradley Beal’s upcoming free agency, Domantas Sabonis has emerged as a trade target for the Washington Wizards, sources said. More intel at @BR_NBA on Toronto and Goran Dragic, Utah and Joe Ingles, Boston, Phoenix and others: https://t.co/7XytaQwSZY
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 2, 2022
The Indiana Pacers could get new life on the Domantas Sabonis trade front
Domantas Sabonis has been pegged earlier to be a prime trade candidate from the Indiana Pacers, but interest in the two-time All-Star has wavered from substantial to limited, the latter a result of few teams having the need and the lofty assets to acquire him.
The Washington Wizards, however, have the necessary returns to make a compelling case. Currently stinking after starting the season hot, they seem determined to keep the wheels in check and remain competitive, especially with franchise star Bradley Beal signaling to re-sign with them in free agency.
As the report states, the best that the Wizards can offer to the Pacers for Sabonis is a mix of Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija, and Corey Kispert, with Montrezl Harrell as a salary matcher, alongside an array of draft picks. However, whether that is enough to entice Indiana’s brass remains to be seen, as other teams like the Sacramento Kings, for example, already have star-level players to directly exchange for the talented center.
Given the Pacers’ stance, trading Sabonis before the deadline seems far-fetched, especially with the team possibly on track to net more interesting packages in return for him in the offseason, should they decide to move on from him and start a reboot.
However, given the renewed interest on the all-around big man, Indiana Pacers fans should keep an eye on Domantas Sabonis’ situation as the trade deadline looms for the struggling Blue and Gold.