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Yes, the Indiana Pacers just gave Domantas Sabonis a four-year, $77 million extension. No, that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to be on their roster all season. He's an awkward fit alongside Myles Turner—not to mention if rookie Goga Bitadze factors into a crowded frontcourt mix—and someone the Pacers could decide is expendable if they feel the need to balance their roster with another perimeter scorer.

As J. Michael explained for the Indianapolis Star, moving Sabonis this season is possible, albeit complicated:

"Yes [he can be traded], once Dec. 15 comes, but the Poison Pill provision takes effect because of the extension. Sabonis is making $3.5 million this season with an average salary around $20 million when his extension takes effect in 2020-21. The Pacers would be sending out just $3.5 million (and that's the level of player they'd get in return for the slot). Sabonis' salary for the team he'd go to would be an average of his four extension seasons plus $3.5 million this year. That's in the neighborhood of $18 million against the cap for a receiving team. Such a deal like this is incredibly difficult to pull off and offers little benefit for the Pacers. Could it happen this season? Yes. Is it likely? No."

The Boston Celtics have nothing to lose by making the call. They might be a good big man away from being scary. Kemba Walker's transition should be seamless. Kyrie Irving's departure might've cleared the runway for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to take flight. If Gordon Hayward is healthy, that adds another potential All-Star.

A Sabonis acquisition would be a fascinating attempt to complete this puzzle. His 2018-19 was masterful, featuring per-36-minutes averages of 20.4 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. With more room to breathe in Boston, the 23-year-old can lift the club's ceiling and perfectly fits the timelines of Brown and Tatum.