Woj: Wizards 'Would Love' to Trade for Pacers' Domantas Sabonis at 2022 Deadline

Indiana Pacers star Domantas Sabonis is one of the biggest names reportedly on the market leading up to this year's Feb. 10 trade deadline, and one Eastern Conference team hoping to make a push for the playoffs is reportedly interested in the veteran. 

The Washington Wizards "would love" to trade for Sabonis, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said on NBA Today. However, Wojnarowski added the Wizards "may not have the assets" to make a deal right now. 

The news comes after Wojnarowski reported Sunday that Sabonis and Myles Turner are continuing to be discussed in trade talks following a deal that sent Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Sabonis, who is in his fifth season with the Pacers, is averaging 18.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 58.0 percent from the floor and 32.4 percent from deep.  

According to Wizards insider Quinton Mayo, the Wizards want to pair Sabonis with All-Star guard Bradley Beal. The 2016 11th overall pick has reportedly "received a ringing endorsement" from Beal. 

Mayo writes:

"Expect Washington to approach the trade deadline aggressively with their sights set on Indiana Pacers star big man, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis has received a ringing endorsement from Beal, and others, within the Wizards organization due to his skill set, possible fit within head coach Wes Unseld Jr.’s system, contract flexibility, and age, sources tell me." "

While Sabonis would help the Wizards improve their 22nd-ranked offense, he is not a defensive-minded player by any means, and Washington needs just as much help on defense, as it also has the 22nd-ranked defense. 

However, the Wizards' interest in adding a player like Sabonis should come as no surprise. Beal, who has a player option for the 2022-23 season, reportedly prefers to remain in Washington, and the franchise needs to be thinking about building around him for the future. 

Sabonis also comes with length on his contract. He is under contract through the 2023-24 campaign after signing a four-year, $77 million extension ahead of the 2020-21 season. If the Wizards plan to pair him with Beal, they'll also need an idea of who else to add in the future. 

The Wizards have also been linked to Jerami Grant, as Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported in January that they are a favorite to land the Detriot Pistons forward. 

Washington is 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 24-28 record and is hoping to make the playoffs for the second straight year. Indiana, meanwhile, is 13th in the East with a 19-36 record and must decide whether it plans to enter a rebuild.