Domantas Sabonis to Boston? This Gives the Celtics a New Star to Build Around
The NBA trade market is constantly buzzing with rumors, whispers, and potential moves that could reshape entire franchises. One such rumor that has recently gained traction is the idea of Domantas Sabonis, the versatile Sacramento Kings big man, being traded to the Boston Celtics. If this deal were to come to fruition, it would not only send shockwaves through the NBA landscape but could significantly alter the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
Sabonis has become one of the league’s most well-rounded and underrated players over the past few seasons. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ, strong passing ability, and versatile scoring game, Sabonis has solidified himself as a star in the league. His potential fit with the Boston Celtics, however, could elevate him to even greater heights.
To fully understand why this trade could work for both teams, it’s important to break down the strengths of Domantas Sabonis and how he might mesh with the Celtics’ current roster. In doing so, we’ll explore what the acquisition of Sabonis would mean for Boston’s future, and why he might be the perfect star for the Celtics to build around going forward.
Domantas Sabonis is, at his core, a unique talent. Standing at 6’9” and weighing 240 pounds, Sabonis is a physical presence in the paint, capable of dominating the boards and finishing at the rim. But it’s his skill set beyond the paint that makes him stand out in today’s NBA. Sabonis is an excellent passer for a big man, averaging 5.9 assists per game last season, a stat that rivals many point guards. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates, especially in the pick-and-roll, has made him a central figure in Sacramento’s offense.
What sets Sabonis apart from many other big men is his high basketball IQ. He has a natural feel for the game and can read defenses with ease, understanding where his teammates will be and how to get them the ball in their most efficient spots. His vision and passing ability are not just limited to simple outlet passes or interior feeds; Sabonis can create opportunities on the perimeter as well, often dishing out passes to shooters in transition or on broken plays.
On the offensive side of the ball, Sabonis is versatile. While not a prolific three-point shooter, he has developed a respectable mid-range game and can finish around the basket with both hands. His ability to stretch the floor, especially with his high basketball IQ, means that defenders can’t afford to leave him open in the mid-range. His scoring and playmaking abilities make him a tough matchup for opposing defenses, as he can not only score but also involve others in the offense.
Defensively, Sabonis is far from a liability. Though he is not known for being an elite shot blocker or an overwhelming rim protector, he is a solid defender who knows how to position himself. His strength allows him to battle down low against other bigs, while his agility enables him to switch on smaller players when needed. His ability to help on defense and then quickly transition into an offensive set makes him a valuable two-way player.
In many ways, Sabonis embodies the modern “do-it-all” big man. His combination of passing, scoring, and basketball IQ makes him an ideal candidate to complement an established team in need of a versatile, all-around player.
For the Boston Celtics, adding Domantas Sabonis would address several key areas of need. While the Celtics already boast a star-studded roster, featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, their interior presence has been a concern for years. Sabonis would immediately fill that void, providing a legitimate low-post scorer and an elite rebounder who can also facilitate Boston’s offense.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit of adding Sabonis to Boston’s lineup is his playmaking ability. In a team with players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two forwards who are excellent scorers but can sometimes struggle with creating offense for others, Sabonis would be a perfect fit. He would not only take pressure off the two wings but also create a more fluid offense overall.
One of the Celtics’ weaknesses in the past has been their reliance on Tatum and Brown to create for themselves or each other. While both players are elite scorers, they are also prone to long scoring droughts or getting bogged down in one-on-one play. Sabonis would alleviate some of that pressure by acting as a hub in the offense. His high basketball IQ, combined with his passing ability, would make him a more effective facilitator than any other big man the Celtics have had in recent years.
Sabonis’ ability to operate in the high post or as a screener in pick-and-roll situations would create open shots for both Tatum and Brown. The three of them could form an offensive trio that constantly keeps opposing defenses guessing, as the Celtics would have three legitimate scoring options capable of creating their own shot. Sabonis’ ability to thread the needle with precision passes would also open up opportunities for Boston’s other shooters, such as Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, to get easier looks from the outside.
Moreover, Sabonis’ skill set complements Tatum and Brown’s styles perfectly. Tatum thrives when he’s able to create space on the perimeter, and Sabonis can provide the screens or spacing needed to free him up. Likewise, Brown’s driving ability would benefit from Sabonis’ presence in the post, as defenders would have to collapse the paint to prevent Sabonis from getting easy buckets. The result could be a dynamic offense that is difficult for opponents to stop, with multiple players capable of both scoring and creating for others.
Another area where the Celtics have been inconsistent is in terms of rebounding. Despite being a well-coached team with excellent perimeter defense, Boston often struggles to secure boards, especially on the offensive glass. Sabonis is a tenacious rebounder, averaging 12.3 rebounds per game last season. His physicality and positioning make him an ideal player to help clean up the boards for the Celtics, especially on the defensive end where they’ve been vulnerable to second-chance opportunities.
Sabonis’ presence on the glass would also benefit Tatum and Brown, who are both great at crashing the boards for their position but often lack the size or strength to compete with bigger, more physical players. With Sabonis gobbling up boards and initiating the fast break, the Celtics could quickly turn defense into offense, capitalizing on transition opportunities to get easy points.
Additionally, Sabonis’ ability to finish around the rim would provide a reliable option in the post. In recent years, Boston has at times lacked a go-to player who can dominate in the paint, especially when Tatum and Brown are being smothered by opposing defenses. Sabonis, as a low-post scorer, would alleviate some of that pressure by providing a consistent interior threat, whether it’s on a lob, a post move, or a putback.
One of the less-discussed aspects of Sabonis’ game is his leadership. His high basketball IQ is not just limited to the offensive end; it extends to his defensive rotations and understanding of how to get his team involved. Sabonis is a vocal presence in the locker room and on the floor, and his ability to communicate with his teammates, especially in high-stress moments, would add an element of stability to the Celtics.
Though the Celtics already have established veterans like Smart and Al Horford, Sabonis would add another layer of accountability on both ends of the floor. His experience in the postseason with the Pacers, and more recently the Kings, would also bring a level of composure that could help Boston in tight playoff games.
Adding Sabonis would mean that the Celtics’ lineup would shift slightly. Ideally, he would be slotted into the center position, as he has spent much of his career playing as a traditional big. However, Sabonis’ ability to step out and hit mid-range shots also allows the Celtics to stretch the floor when needed. He could theoretically play alongside Al Horford in certain lineups, where Horford can take on the stretch-five role and Sabonis handles more of the playmaking and rebounding duties.
In crunch time, Sabonis’ versatility could allow head coach Joe Mazzulla to deploy a small-ball lineup featuring Tatum, Brown, Smart, and Brogdon, with Sabonis as the sole big man on the floor. This could give the Celtics a more fluid, fast-paced offense while still maintaining an elite level of playmaking and rebounding.
Ultimately, a frontcourt of Sabonis and Tatum would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, as both players can create their own shots and space the floor for others. The Celtics’ defensive prowess, already one of the league’s best, would only be bolstered by Sabonis’ ability to help defend in the paint and switch on smaller players when needed.
In terms of what Boston would need to give up to acquire Sabonis, that remains to be seen. The Kings have made it clear they value Sabonis as one of the cornerstones of their rebuilding effort, and so a deal would likely require some combination of future assets, current players, and possibly draft picks. The Celtics would likely have to part with a combination of players like Robert Williams, Grant Williams, or Malcolm Brogdon to match salaries and provide the Kings with valuable role players.
However, the Celtics have the pieces necessary to make a deal work. With Tatum and Brown as the centerpiece of their future, the addition of Sabonis would create a new Big Three in Boston—one built on a blend of elite scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ. If the Celtics are serious about winning a title in the near future, adding Domantas Sabonis would be
