Pacers' Domantas Sabonis Says 'We'll See What Happens' Amid Trade Rumors
Indiana Pacers power forward Domantas Sabonis said Saturday he's not focused on trade speculation ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season.
"There's not really much to talk about," Sabonis said, per Tony East of Forbes. "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."
He added: "It's a business. You try not to think about it. Just focus on the team, get better every day, and help the team win. My mind now is getting better, trying to figure out this new unit, and get ready for Detroit on Wednesday."
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Friday the Pacers have "engaged in active trade talks with several teams this week" about Sabonis. He's eligible for a new deal ahead of Monday's deadline for rookie-scale extensions, but the sides are "far apart in discussions," per Amick.
Indiana acquired the 23-year-old Gonzaga product as part of the July 2017 blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder. George is now a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sabonis is coming off the best statistical season of his career in 2018-19. He averaged 14.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 59 percent from the field across 74 appearances (five starts).
He ranked 15th among qualified power forwards in ESPN's real plus-minus last season.
Although there's been "no lack of interest" in the fourth-year forward, sources say the Pacers' asking price amid conversations with several teams has been "too high," per Amick.
Sabonis has remained active for the Pacers throughout the trade talks. He averaged 12.5 points and 11.2 rebounds across four preseason games.
Barring a last-minute trade, he's expected to take the floor when Indiana opens the regular season Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
