NBA Rumors: Celtics must do what it takes to land Domantas Sabonis

So, NBA rumor has it that the Indiana Pacers are open to moving several key players on their roster, including big man Domantas Sabonis.  If that is the case, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens must do whatever it takes to get him in green.

Well, anything that doesn’t involve a package surrounding Jaylen Brown.

As a head coach, the one missing ingredient for Stevens was a big man exactly like Sabonis.  A big who could pass, score and be a presence physically downlow.  While the Celtics currently have that somewhat in Al Horford, Sabonis would be intriguing as a compliment to both Jayson Tatum and Brown, assuming they can land him without parting ways with JB.

Given the fact that Sabonis comes with some limitations, particularly on the defensive end, Stevens wouldn’t want to part ways with Brown, unless there was more to the package coming in return.  Averaging 18.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season, Sabonis would be an upgrade over Robert Williams II, who Stevens would obviously have to part within a trade package that could also include Marcus Smart, young players like Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith and draft picks.

Boston Celtics should not toss up a chance to land a big man like Sabonis

That package, give or take more players, would work as far as salary goes, but would that be enough for an Indiana Pacers team looking for young stars in return?

More than likely, it would not be enough.  That is why it was so important for players like Langford and Nesmith to show growth this season.  They haven’t exactly gotten the playing time, but they would’ve made this type of deal more enticing for a team like Indiana.

Is there anything else Stevens could throw at the Pacers to win the potential Sabonis sweepstakes?

It may depend on how Indiana views the potential of Williams, who when healthy, has shown to be a valuable force under the rim.  He doesn’t provide the scoring touch Sabonis does, but a high-energy big with tremendous upside as a rim protector and rebounder is certainly an enticing piece.

In Smart, they would add a veteran who oozes intensity, and the Langford/Nesmith appeal would be former late lottery picks who just need playing time and may rise with a change of scenery and opportunity.  The Celtics could also throw in Payton Pritchard, which would give the Pacers a core of young players with upside.

Such a trade package would basically deplete the Boston Celtics bench, but to have a big man like Sabonis in the mix may be the type of shake up the team needs and the type of player who would complement the scoring of both Tatum and Brown.

As a high-post passer, Sabonis in combination with Al Horford in the front court would make the Boston Celtics a tough team to defend, while giving them toughness and more reliability on the boards.

If you are saying Robert Williams gives them the same thing, if not better on the defensive end, this is true, however the downside of the Timelord is his injury history and his lack of touch around the rim on the offensive end.

Remember, the goal is to maximize the stardom of Tatum and Brown.  Stevens will have to give up a lot to get something of value in return to accomplish that without having to breakup the young, All-Star duo in the process.