Domantas Sabonis On the block

[Drygon]

I'd much rather wait for 2021 free agency.

Maybe Atlanta Hawks are good enough to attract the likes of Giannis to join the franchise.

[Jamaaliver]

NBA Stars Clearly on the Wrong Teams

Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Indiana Pacers



Although the Pacers and Sabonis agreed on a four-year, $77 million contract extension just before the deadline, Indiana "engaged in active trade talks" with teams in October.

That was likely a Plan B in case the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract, but it seems bizarre that the Pacers would even consider shopping Sabonis, especially since his new deal has a reasonable $19.25 million average annual value.

All the 23-year-old big man has done this season is average 21.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 57.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three. His new contract should turn out to be one of the NBA's best bargains by the time he hits free agency again.

While he's incredibly talented, any potential bad blood remaining from the trade rumors, combined with an awkward roster fit, means Sabonis would be better off elsewhere, provided the Pacers are dead set on keeping center Myles Turner.

Indiana has moved him to power forward alongside Turner, and the pairing has yet to enjoy positive results. Sabonis has produced a better net rating by himself than when he shares the floor with Turner during every season of his Pacers career. Early this year, Indiana has a plus-8.6 net rating with Sabonis in and Turner out, compared to plus-2.3 when they're on the court together, per PBPStats.com.

This season, the Pacers are 0-3 when Sabonis and Turner are both healthy throughout a full contest. During the two games Turner either exited with an ankle injury or missed while in recovery, Sabonis has averaged 23.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 blocks while slashing 60.6/50.0/83.3. The Pacers won both contests.

Indiana could certainly get a good haul for Sabonis should it put him on the market, and it could target a wing or a more mobile power forward to play with Turner.

Better Fits: San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks

Bleacher Report

[Geaux_Hawks]

Didn't realize we had interest in Sabonis. Wonder what the Pacers were looking for.

[DirtybirdGA]

He could be used now... lol

[hawkmanreturns]

He could be used now... lol

Too soon!

[kg01]

Didn't realize we had interest in Sabonis. Wonder what the Pacers were looking for.

If it was something centered around Collins, Schlenk is probably tryna talk himself off a ledge right now.

[King Ken]

Didn't realize we had interest in Sabonis. Wonder what the Pacers were looking for.

If it was something centered around Collins, Schlenk is probably tryna talk himself off a ledge right now.

I would like Turner for Collins

[Spud2nique]

Oh man why does this crap continuously happen to us. Down 1 at the half let’s go! Cam bringing it!

[EazyRoc]

This is the kind of move we should’ve made this off season. Schlenk has to give his new coach a decent roster to work with..


Nevermind.... Just read where we tried to get him before they resigned him.