KEY POINTS

  • Three teams are linked to Domantas Sabonis, but the Pacers' asking price may be too high
  • Sabonis could serve as a big upgrade to the team that would successfully acquire him
  • The Pacers want a Nikola Vucevic-type of a trade package for Sabonis

At least three teams are reportedly interested in the services of Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers.

The Lithuanian player is one of many names expected to move by the NBA trade deadline on February 10 with the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards linked to a 25-year-old player.

However, the Kings, Wizards and Pelicans will have to draw up an acceptable deal to meet the Pacers' demands.

According to Jake Fischer of the Bleacher Report, Indiana is looking for a deal similar to what the Orlando Magic got for Nikola Vucevic.

For those who may not know, the Chicago Bulls acquired Vucevic from the Magic in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr, Otto Porter Jr, and two first-round picks.

Huge as the haul may be, the deal proved beneficial to the Bulls who are now having a good season.

As of this writing, Chicago is lording it over the Eastern Conference standings with a 32-19 win-loss record.

That turnaround could be something the Pacers want to see as it tries to rebuild following a woeful 2021-22 season performance.

The Pacers are 19-24 in the East, sitting at the 13th spot.

With their chances of making the playoffs dimming, Indiana is reportedly placing some key players on the block.

Aside from Sabonis, Myles Turner and Caris LeVert are also up for grabs. Both players have garnered significant interest from several teams.

But like them, landing Sabonis will also need a good package that will gain the nod of Pacers management.

Hence, the next question is whether the Kings, Wizards and Pelicans have enough assets to pull off the trade for Sabonis.

For this season, the two-time NBA All-Star has played in 46 games, averaging 19.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, and five assists.

Domantas Sabonis Malcolm Brogdon Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis #11 and Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers talk during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Joe Robbins/Getty Images