Getty Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis battles for the ball during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Whether or not they actually pull the trigger on anything ahead of the NBA trade deadline, chances are that the Dallas Mavericks are looking for ways to improve their roster. Alas, the team’s cap situation and lack of draft assets may prove difficult to overcome where landing a real difference-maker is concerned.
Nevertheless, HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina just namechecked Dallas as one of four “realistic” landing spots for All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis.
He writes:
The Dallas Mavericks could use another All-Star to place alongside Luka Doncic. Particularly one who can score down low and create for others out of their frontcourt position.
The issue is: Can Dallas put together a package enticing enough for the Pacers without losing Kristaps Porzingis?
The answer to that question may just be a big, fat no. However, Urbina took a stab at it nonetheless.
Two (Maybe) Possible Deals
The first Mavs-Pacers deal pitched by Urbina shakes out as follows:
- Indiana Pacers Get: Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock, Josh Green and two first-round picks
- Dallas Mavericks Get: Domantas Sabonis
In this trade, Indy gets a prospect in Green, as well as two useful players who could occupy rotational spots or be used to acquire additional assets. Kleber is essentially on an expiring contract (his $9 million salary for 2022-23 is non-guaranteed), while Bullock will make $10 million in ’22-23 before hitting his non-guaranteed year in ’23-24.
The big thing here for Indy is the two first-round picks. However, given that the Mavs have no incoming picks, while still owing the New York Knicks a protected first-rounder as part of the Porzingis trade, it’s difficult to see them actually putting that package together.
As it stands, the earliest they could deal a pick is 2025, and that would require removing protections on and/or conveying the Knicks pick in 2023. Also — those future picks are probably middling at best as long as Doncic remains with the Mavs.
Here is the second deal Urbina tossed out, in which the Mavs actually part with the Unicorn:
- Indiana Pacers Get: Kristaps Porzingis and a first-round pick
- Dallas Mavericks Get: Domantas Sabonis and Jeremy Lamb
Of the two trades, this one nets Indy the more tangible return. However, getting Porzingis feels like a lateral move for the Pacers who, despite what owner Herb Simon says, should really be looking at a full-on rebuild.
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Sabonis Is Having Another Strong Season in Indy
Getting Sabonis may or may not actually be a realistic option for Dallas. However, one thing that can’t be denied is that the 25-year-old is having another stellar season for the Pacers.
To date, he has appeared in 31 games for Indy and averaged 18.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. He has also connected on 59% of his shot attempts, a mark that equals his career-high and currently ranks ninth league-wide.
He was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games contested from December 6 to 12.
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