Karl Malone slams Indiana Pacers for trading Domantas Sabonis: "Why would you ever trade a player like that?”
NBA legend Karl Malone is impressed by the ability of Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis. Now Malone is wondering why Sabonis' former team would ever want to trade the talented big man.
After blossoming into a rising star with the Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis was traded last year at the NBA's trade deadline. The shocking move saw the Kings trade rising star guard Tyrese Haliburton in exchange for Sabonis. So far, the move has turned out to be a great deal for both teams.
Haliburton has turned into one of the top playmaking guards in the league, while Sabonis has turned out to be a sensational piece for the Kings, who are on their way toward a return to the NBA playoffs.
In a recent interview with Chris Sheridan of Legends Magazine, Karl Malone went on to question the decision-making of the Indiana Pacers. Malone praised Sabonis, saying he doesn't understand why Indiana traded him:
“Why would you ever trade a player like that?”
Karl Malone slams Indiana Pacers for trading Domantas Sabonis: ‘Why would you ever trade a player like that?’
ahnfiredigital.com/nba/indiana-pa…
Karl Malone praises the ability of Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis
Karl Malone knows what it takes to be a versatile forward in the NBA. That's just why Kings big man Domantas Sabonis has gotten the praise of the NBA Hall of Famer.
When the Sacramento Kings decided to trade guard Tyrese Haliburton last season, it came with a public backlash. Sure, Domantas Sabonis was a talented player, but Haliburton had become a rising talent in the league.
The Kings found themselves with a roster that featured a plethora of guards. With De'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell already in the backcourt, GM Monte McNair looked to take a swing at balancing out his roster. So far, it's paid off in a big way. Sabonis has become a force in the frontcourt for the Sacramento Kings.
Why does his third NBA All-Star selection “mean the most” to Domantas Sabonis?
“It’s in a Kings uniform.”
The @SacramentoKings big man opens up about this season and his future.
Exclusive with @sam_amick: theathletic.com/4210736/?sourc… https://t.co/2Y2D9kphnQ
After finishing 30-52 last season, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at 32-25 as of Thursday morning. That currently places them in third place in the Western Conference standings. It's been a remarkable turnaround for the Kings, one that required a big roll of the dice for the Sacramento front office. So far, that gamble has paid off in a big way.
Sabonis and the Kings will look to continue building off their first-half success after the All-Star break. The talented forward is averaging 18.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game for Sacramento this season.