While the Boston Celtics find themselves in a state of “win-now-or-rebuild” limbo, reports have come out that the Indiana Pacers are looking to hit the reset button. In doing so, they would need to trade off their three biggest stars: Caris LeVert, Myles Turner, & Domantas Sabonis. Currently, the Pacers sit at a 10-6 record, while the Celtics hover slightly above .500, with a record of 13-12. Is there a mutually beneficial answer here? Signs point to yes.
Although the Celtics were in trade talks to acquire Turner last season, he would not be an upgrade over emerging big Robert Williams III, a.k.a “Timelord”. Sabonis, however, would be. If Boston decides they are in win-now mode, trading for the two-time All-Star power forward is in their best interest.
How Would Sabonis Help the Celtics?
What can the 6’11 power forward offer Boston? First, he can help a lackluster offense by adding a plus in the pick-and-roll game. Sabonis is one of the best young, offensively savvy bigs in the game today. His ability to set screens would allow star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown find new lanes to the basket. Second, he adds a complementary skillset to the aforementioned wings. While Tatum and Brown are not identical offensive players, their game is similar to one another. Sabonis adds a missing piece to the championship puzzle; his ability to score in the paint and dish the ball to outside scorers could help create a lethal inside-out attack.
Though his defense would be a minus, a team rotating veterans Al Horford and Marcus Smart alongside Tatum and Brown should not lack much. The prospect of a revamped offense and a new Big Three in Boston is surely adequate allure to alleviate any defensive woes.
Now, What Would it Cost Boston?
The Celtics have three solid young pieces on their bench in Robert Williams III, self-proclaimed “sniper” Aaron Nesmith, and former Pac-12 Player of the Year Payton Pritchett. If not all three of these players, it would take any combination of two plus other assets. Dennis Schröder (who is in Boston on a one-year deal) may have been part of the package, if not for the fact his contract makes him ineligble for a trade until December. Instead of Schröder, who ideally will be in Boston long-term, shooting guard Josh Richardson may be on the trade block. Dumping his two year, $11.6 million dollar contract helps offset Sabonis’ incoming contract (three year, $19.8 million).
So, Boston has the potential to offer a rebuilding Pacer franchise two promising players, a solid depth piece, and draft capital. Would a package of Nesmith, Pritchard, Richardson, and a 2022 First Round draft pick be enough for the All-Star Sabonis? The ESPN Trade Machine says so, but coach-turned-executive Bread Stevens may need to work out another package. Either way, bringing in Domantas Sabonis should be a priority for the Boston Celtics.
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