After the Indiana Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a major domino was set in motion. Now Kevin Pritchard and his Phoenix Suns have emerged as an unlikely front-runner for PG’s services next season. It will be interesting to see how he handles this situation considering some potential salary cap issues with acquiring him from another team like LA Lakers or Brooklyn Nets.
The Phoenix Suns should go all-in for the disgruntled Indiana Pacers star. The Suns have a lot of assets to offer, and they can use them to entice him. Read more in detail here: suns nba.
With a record of 23-5, it’s difficult to say where or if the Phoenix Suns need to improve. The reigning Western Conference champions have shown that last season was no fluke, as they are tied for the best record in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. However, if Phoenix wants to catch up to Golden State and completely separate itself from the rest of the pack, Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis might be the key.
Domantas Sabonis is looking to leave Indiana.
According to Kevin Pritchard, president of the #Pacers, the team is still seeking to “create that actual star.”
So I asked Domantas Sabonis, a two-time All-Star, how he felt about it.
“I’m at a loss for words.” https://t.co/q9kixZUiQJ
December 12, 2021 — James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)
The Pacers realize their window of contention isn’t opening anytime soon, just over 30 games into the 2021-22 season.
Indiana’s best players will be available for trade between now and the February 10 trade deadline, according to league sources. Veterans like Caris LeVert and Myles Turner might be sold in the coming weeks as the franchise moves closer to rebuilding. Sabonis, on the other hand, may be the huge fish that Indiana throws out to the rest of the NBA.
Sabonis is making it simple for the Pacers, who are 13-18, to trade him. Since last season, the 25-year-old has craved for a change of environment, according to Action Network. His dissatisfaction has only grown as Indiana approaches its first losing season since 2014-15.
Sabonis, who is 6-foot-11, is one of the NBA’s lesser-known players. The two-time All-Star was traded to Indiana along with Victor Oladipo in exchange for Paul George after a promising debut season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the previous four years with the Pacers, he has consistently increased his scoring production, culminating in a career-high 20.3 points in 2020-21. In his previous two All-Star seasons, he has also averaged at least 12 rebounds and five assists.
Sabonis should be pursued aggressively by the Phoenix Suns.
Two fascinating Suns-related notes: Jalen Smith is attracting attention from across the league, and Phoenix has previously asked about Domantas Sabonis.
The second note has piqued my interest. https://t.co/GK9Bs6VXvQ
December 13, 2021 — Evan Sidery (@esidery)
The Suns have a championship-caliber roster, as if their record didn’t tell it all.
Phoenix has a superstar in Devin Booker, a potential Hall of Fame floor general in Chris Paul, a powerful center in Deandre Ayton, and a superb defender in Mikal Bridges when all four players are healthy. Phoenix is finding ways to win despite Booker and Ayton missing a few games due to a strong bench. Nonetheless, the chance to acquire a player of Sabonis’ talent is too excellent to pass up.
Sabonis may not be the outside shooter Phoenix is looking for to complement Ayton, but he can do everything else well. He’s a competent defender, an above-average scorer, and an amazing rebounder. He’s also a surprisingly effective passer. He’s done well playing with a real center in Turner, so adjusting to Ayton shouldn’t be too tough.
Despite the fact that Sabonis is a 25-year-old All-Star, the Suns shouldn’t have to throw everything at him to get him. Indiana may be interested in Cameron Johnson and Jalen Smith, two younger role players. Phoenix will also likely lose their first-round pick in 2022, but will retain additional first- and second-round picks in the following years. In a future deal, the Suns might get those two young players, a veteran like Dario Saric, and a future draft selection.
Domantas Sabonis is a valuable asset to the Suns both now and in the future.
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Given how narrow championship windows may be, the Suns should do all in their power to win their first championship. Even if Phoenix falls short of its objective, Sabonis would provide a solid backup plan if Ayton decides to leave the Valley.
After botching contract discussions with Ayton this winter, the Suns were chastised. The 2018 first-round selection was one of the few players in his draft class who did not sign a contract extension. The 23-year-old will become a restricted free agent next summer if he gets (and declines) a $16.4 million qualifying offer. As a result, the Suns would have to match any outside offer he gets or risk losing him.
Sabonis’ presence, on the other hand, would lessen the shock of Ayton’s departure. The Pacers’ star is in the second year of a four-year, $75 million contract with the team. Not only would he be under contract for two more years after this season, but his yearly cap charge of about $19 million would be far lower than what many project Ayton to earn in his next deal.
It’s one thing to give up your youth in exchange for a rental player. However, with the prospect of acquiring an All-Star for future seasons, Sabonis should be the first priority for the Suns’ championship aspirations.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract data.
RELATED: The Phoenix Suns Will Regret Not Extending Deandre Ayton’s $172.5 Million Contract
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