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Timothy Rapp is the featured Columnist for the Phoenix Suns.
Andy Lyons is a photographer.
The New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns have shown interest in acquiring Indiana Pacers star big man Domantas Sabonis, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The NBA's Feb. 10 trade deadline is approaching, and the attractive players who could be available in a trade are expected to generate strong interest.
The Pacers were moving toward a substantial rebuild and are expected to open up trade conversations around some of their veteran stalwarts, according to a report by The Athletic.
The players could be put on the trade block.
The crown jewel of that group will likely be Sabonis. He is averaging 18.2 points, 11.9 rebound and 4.9 assists per game. He's shooting 58.4% from the field but only 38.6% from three.
While he isn't the modern prototype at center, he's a dominant scorer and rebounder.
It would be surprising if the Knicks and Suns pursued him.
The spacing of the floor with the Knicks would be questionable. While he shot 41.1 percent from three last year, he's hitting only 32.6 percent this season, which is close to his career average.
Phoenix has a young star at center in DeAndre Ayton. Unless the Suns are willing to move on from Ayton, they won't be interested in matching a max offer if he gets one this summer as a restricted free agent.
There are many teams around the NBA who could use an upgrade at center. It won't be a surprise if he gets moved.
