The Indiana Pacers have been ‘engaged in active talks' with teams regarding Domantas Sabonis' availability since the contract extensions talks between the two sides are far apart. The team held their first practice on Saturday since those rumors came out.
When asked about his involvement in trade rumors, Sabonis voiced his displeasure by saying that the Pacers ‘know how I fell about that' but didn't provide much detail to reporters. He also mentioned that he is going to let his agents handle the situation and go from there.
Sabonis on potential trade reports & how he’s dealt w/ it:
“There’s not really much to talk about. I know exactly how the Pacers feel about me now. They know how I feel about that & there’s not much more to say. I’ll let my agents do the rest of it & we’ll see what happens.”
— Nathan Brown (@By_NathanBrown) October 19, 2019
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, there is ‘no lack of interest' in Sabonis around the league but the asking price from the Pacers has been ‘too high.' It was also mentioned that there have been ‘active trade talks with several teams' but the specific teams are currently unknown.
“With Domantas Sabonis and the Indiana Pacers far apart in discussions about a possible contract extension, and with a deal looking unlikely as the Monday night deadline looms, sources say the Pacers have engaged in active trade talks with several teams this week about the fourth-year forward.”
Sabonis, 23, is coming off an impressive season with averages of 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds. His production was enough for him to be named a finalist for the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year Award. He served as the clear focal point of the Pacers' bench unit, but his vocal desire to start prompted them to move on from Thaddeus Young to make room in the starting lineup.
The Pacers have until Monday's deadline to agree to a contract extension with Sabonis. If they fail to accomplish that, he will become a restricted free agent next summer. He is eligible to sign an extension with a team that trades for him as long as an agreement was reached prior to the deadline.
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