As the NBA trade deadline nears, many feel that it is almost guaranteed the Boston Celtics will make some kind of move for another option at center, whether that's through a trade or the buyout market. One option fans have floated for the Celtics to pursue is Domantas Sabonis. And while he's certainly a polarizing player, there's also zero question he would transform Boston in the best way possible.
The biggest reason folks are going to turn up their nose at Sabonis is his playstyle relative to his contract. Domas is unquestionably one of the best offensive bigs in the game today, but he struggles to match that production on the defensive side of things.
Then when it comes to his pay stub, Sabonis has a massive contract any team that trades for him is going to have to take on. He still has two years remaining on his current deal after this season ends, and he'll be owed north of $90 million. That's a very considerable price tag for a guy who's not the most capable on the defensive end and will need to be hidden to a degree in any defensive scheme.
Domantas Sabonis would be a worthy gamble for the Celtics
With that being said, it's hard to imagine the Celtics being worse with Sabonis on their roster. Imagine them rolling out the same rotation as they are right now, only with Domas replacing Neemias Queta. Boston's offense is already thriving as is, but they'd reach a different level if this trade were made.
You'd have to think that Joe Mazzulla and the coaching staff would find a way to lessen his defensive deficiencies and maximize his output on that side of the floor. There's enough capable defenders on this roster to make it work. And if the coaches have been able to find the success they've had this season with Luka Garza, Josh Minott and Queta, they can certainly innovate some ways to make Sabonis work.
At the end of the day, Boston has a big opportunity on their hands. No one outside of this fanbase could have possibly predicted this team winning the way they have this season with Jayson Tatum yet to play a single minute. The Celtics have a rare chance to actually make another deep postseason run, and this kind of bold move would put them in perfect position to do so.
Adding a big man the caliber of Domantas Sabonis would put Boston at the level of a top contender in the Eastern Conference and make them a team no one would want to see come springtime. The money may be messy, but a trade for the right price could absolutely be worth it.