NBA Trade Rumors: Domantas Sabonis could still be traded by the Indiana Pacers despite his new contract extension

What's the rumor?

Domantas Sabonis has been frequently linked with a trade away from the Indiana Pacers over the past 12 months, although he seemed set to stay with the franchise after signing a new four-year, $77 million contract extension ahead of the deadline last month.

Nevertheless, speculation over Sabonis' future has yet to go away, and Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes that he could still be traded this season:

Any potential bad blood remaining from the trade rumors, combined with an awkward roster fit, means Sabonis would be better off elsewhere. Indiana could certainly get a good haul for Sabonis should it put him on the market, and it could target a wing or a more mobile power forward to play with Turner

In case you didn't know...

After spending his rookie season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sabonis was sent to the Pacers as part of the trade for Paul George in 2017. While he struggled to make an impact in his rookie year with the Thunder, Sabonis has flourished playing predominantly from the bench in Indiana, last season averaging career-highs in points (14.1), rebounds (9.3) and assists (2.9).

The 23-year-old has been promoted to the starting lineup this season, although Myles Turner remains Indiana's starting center, with Sabonis moved to power forward.

The heart of the matter

Pacers head coach Nate McMillan has finally handed Sabonis the starting berth he deserves, although there have been few signs that Turner and Sabonis can function on the same team.

Due to this, the Pacers may be forced to trade one of them down the line, and Sabonis could be the man to make way. Nevertheless, a trade appears unlikely until the Pacers get Victor Oladipo back, and Sabonis' value will only increase during the coming months.

What's next?

The Pacers will be looking to make it four consecutive wins tonight as they take on the Charlotte Hornets.