Indiana Pacers trades based on recent NBA rumors: Domantas Sabonis to the Boston Celtics
Boston receives: Domantas Sabonis
Indiana receives: Aaron Nesmith, Robert Williams III, Josh Richardson, 2022 First-Round pick
The Celtics, like the Pacers, need a shake-up. Their offense often feels mechanical, guys going through the motions half-heartedly until it’s their turn to shoot the ball. Sabonis is an unselfish player with an excellent high-post passing game who also has more old-school bully-ball in him than Al Horford.
Adding Sabonis would give a fresh wrinkle to the Celtics offense and let star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown find new ways to score. Sabonis can hit cutters with ease or screen (and re-screen, and re-screen) for either player in the pick-and-roll. He also alleviates some of the offensive pressure on Marcus Smart by putting another plus passer on the floor.
Although Sabonis wouldn’t necessarily help their defense, a team with Horford, Smart, Tatum, and Brown should easily be able to cover up any deficiencies.
On the other hand, the Pacers receive two promising youngsters in the sharpshooter Aaron Nesmith and springy rim-runner Robert Williams. Richardson is an established vet but is mostly here to make the salary math work. The 2022 First-Round pick ensures that Indiana will get another crack at a talented young rookie.
Nesmith has shown flashes of being the 3-and-D wing the Celtics hoped for, but he hasn’t gotten enough playing time to find a rhythm. Williams is an unusual center. He looks like a classic dunks-and-blocks big man, but he has an uncanny knack for avoiding fouls and an underrated passing eye. His upwards trajectory is promising, and his energy would quickly make him a fan favorite in Indiana.