Why the Boston Celtics Should Do It
Parting with two mid-to-late 1st round picks is notable, but Marcus Smart would be the biggest loss in this trade from the Boston Celtics’ side. It’s also a weak NBA Draft class and a guard or a shot creator isn’t Boston’s biggest need. They need more size in the frontcourt, and Sabonis could provide it.
Sabonis averaged career highs in points (18.5), rebounds (12.4), and assists (5.0) per game last season in Indiana. He made his first All-Star appearance last season, and it’s clear he has the ability to be a star if he stays healthy.
Sabonis is set to enter his four-year, $74.9 million extension, so he is under contract through 2023-24. He can be an unrestricted free agent in 2024, at 28-years-old.
While the Celtics would hypothetically part with Smart and three total 1st round picks, Sabonis would be a fixture for years to come. It would add a needed boost to add extra layers to Boston’s half-court attack.
