Note - This deal will be eligible tomorrow, 12/15, when all signed/extended players over the past offseason become available in trade discussions.

The Pacers have recently opened trade discussions for their entire roster including all-star, Domantas Sabonis. Arguably more than any other team in the league, the Celtics could use a roster shuffle to bring in new pieces to fit around the core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Adding Sabonis to that core could add more offensive versatility and consistent interior defense to their lineup which they could desperately use. Moreover by planting a third all-star to play with Brown and Tatum, the Celtics will have finally put together the cornerstones of a power in the East for years to come pending on their development.

Boston would send back a few key pieces to jumpstart a rebuild in Indiana, more specifically, Rob Williams, who was recently extended to a cost-efficient contract for an additional four years, who could be their center of the future, and Aaron Nesmith, a budding 3-point threat who’s flashed a lot of potential. With two future 1st-round picks in 2023 and 2028 to go along with them, the Pacers would definitely be positioning themselves well for success down the line. Throw in Josh Richardson, and a future 2nd rounder from Portland, who could also be used in another deal by the upcoming trade deadline, and the pot gets sweetened that much more for Indiana.

All around I think this is a very balanced trade that would benefit both clubs down the road a lot. Sure the Pacers might have reservations about sending their best player to potentially solidify another contender in the East for years to come but they’d have to think this trade would set back their opportunity to compete for a championship for quite some time. Why not try to cash in and add as many valuable pieces with upside that could set themselves up in the future to be much more competitive then? ... Additionally the Celtics might have some second thoughts about moving almost all but a few of the truly valuable assets they’d have left in future trade discussions (outside of Brown and Tatum) and potentially hamstring themselves if things continue not to work. But I’d imagine if a core of Brown, Sabonis, and Tatum didn’t work that they’d have larger concerns to address by then. It’s time Brad Stevens makes a move to really test the potential of the core he’s assembled in Boston.