Domantas Sabonis trade rumors 2021 are right underway, as the Indiana Pacers finally dealt with the fact that they need to embrace a full rebuild.
They haven’t been good enough to be a legit contender, nor bad enough to land a star in the Draft.
Domantas Sabonis trade rumors 2021
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pacers have made Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis, and/or Myles Turner available in trade talks. And, while this doesn’t come as much of a surprise, it’s kind of shocking to see that they’re giving up so early in the season.
Taking a look at the Pacers roster right now, it doesn’t seem like they have any top-notch prospects or dark horse candidates to lead the team in the future.
Rookie Chris Duarte has been pretty solid, but he’s not that young and doesn’t offer much upside. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the teams that could be potential trade fits for Sabonis.
3. Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers need to go all-in on an All-Star right now. It doesn’t matter who he is, it doesn’t even matter if he’s a good fit or not. They need to prove to Damian Lillard that they can get things done and put him in a position to succeed.
The Blazers have promising players in Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, and a plus-defender with a team-friendly deal in Larry Nance Jr. They could all improve the Pacers roster right now if they trade their stars away. Their picks aren’t that valuable, but they need to do whatever it takes to land Domantas Sabonis.
Sabonis has ties to the city as his father Arvydas Sabonis was a sensation in Oregon during his brief stint in the league. The Blazers know Lillard’s patience is winding down and that he could ask to be traded if they don’t make some moves.
2. Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to nearly every big name this season. They know that the clock is ticking and that Karl-Anthony Towns might force his way out of the team after another losing campaign, and they can’t afford that.
The Timberwolves have actually been quite solid when D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and KAT have all been on the floor. The problem is that it doesn’t happen very often. By adding Domantas Sabonis, they could have an insurance policy in the case Towns leaves and a strong one-two punch in the frontcourt.
Jaden McDaniels, Josh Okogie, and picks could be just enough to get the Pacers to send them Sabonis. And, while the defense would be a big concern with Sabonis and Towns, the Timberwolves could have one of the best offenses in the league.
1. Celtics
Maybe it’s time to start wondering whether the Boston Celtics need to make a big move or if they have to stay patient. But if they choose to do the former, then adding a guy like Domantas Sabonis would make a lot of sense for them. He could help Ime Udoka finally turn his stagnant offense around.
They were linked with multiple Sabonis trade rumors in the past, and they have enough young players to try and make an appealing offer for a rebuilding team. Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford, and Payton Pritchard could fetch some interest, especially if paired with Marcus Smart.
The Pacers could then flip Smart for picks or more young players, and the Celtics would have the interior presence they’ve been craving for years. While not the defender Al Horford is, he’s a prolific passer and scorer and could thrive next to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
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