It was recently revealed that Kevin Durant would not be playing in the All-Star game, leading to Domantas Sabonis being selected in his place. It has been revealed that the reason for his absence will be his hamstring injury. While it is good for Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets to have their star sit out, another franchise will have to pay up.
Domantas Sabonis’ All-Star selection has triggered a $1.3 million dollar incentive for making the All-Star game in his contract with the Indiana Pacers. John Hollinger, a writer for The Athletic, has recently suggested that in a sense, it was Kevin Durant’s hamstring that caused the Indiana Pacers to lose their money.
Official: Domantas Sabonis is an @NBAAllStar for the second straight season, named the replacement player for Kevin Durant.
It triggers an incentive worth $1.3 million.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) February 26, 2021
Also, Durant's hamstring just cost the Pacers $1.3 million.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) February 26, 2021
Despite the extra cost to the Indiana Pacers, they are lucky to have an All-Star like Domantas Sabonis on their team. Domantas Sabonis is getting paid $18,500,000 this season, one of the lowest salaries in the NBA for an elite All-Star. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 21.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 5.7 APG. Those are elite numbers for a big man, and he is clearly one of the best passing big men in the league.
Despite Kevin Durant’s injury ultimately costing the Indiana Pacers more money, they will live with it if it means having an All-Star locked up for the near future with a team-friendly contract. Domantas Sabonis has been showing out for the Indiana Pacers, and it is good to see him get recognized.
