NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team
By Dalton Sell
Rumors have been heating up across the league, with NBA trades bound to start happening as the February 10 deadline looms. After covering a trade target for every Pacific Division team, it is time to stay out in the Western Conference and gift each team in the Southwest division a trade target to pursue in the weeks leading up to the deadline. With that said, let’s dive in.
NBA Trades Southwest Division – San Antonio Spurs: Domantas Sabonis
As always, the San Antonio Spurs have been quiet in the rumor mill. They recently helped facilitate a trade with the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, but that might be the most exciting thing that occurs for them between now and the trade deadline. However, if they do want to make a sizeable splash to push for the play-in tournament, Domantas Sabonis should be a high-priority trade target.
The two-time All-Star is having another great season by averaging 19.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, and it appears he is now on the trading block. The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz (subscription required) recently reported that the Indiana Pacers could enter a rebuild soon, which would entail trading away key components such as Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Caris LeVert.
If so, the Spurs would be wise to inquire about the All-Star center to accelerate their rebuild and get back into the contending picture sooner rather than later.
Though Indiana’s asking price for the center has not been revealed yet, San Antonio likely has the assets in tow to make a captivating offer. They would have to absorb what is left of Sabonis’ $18.5 million salary this season, along with the final two years of his deal.
If they were willing, which the Spurs absolutely should be, adding Sabonis could help them turn the corner amidst what has been a tough season to this point.