Halfway through the 2021-22 campaign, the Indiana Pacers exchanged Domantas Sabonis at Sacramento Kings in the package that won them Tyrese Haliburton.
Some weren’t sure what to make of the deal at the time, as Sabonis had proven himself with the Pacers and become one of the best centers in basketball.
But in hindsight, things turned out pretty well for Indiana.
That’s why Bleacher Report Greg Swartz gave the Pacers an A+ grade for the trade.
“This is a rare blockbuster that’s a win for both sides. Haliburton wouldn’t be the same player in Sacramento sharing the ball with De’Aaron Fox, and the Pacers have since traded Pascal Siakam to take Sabonis’ spot,” Swartz wrote. “The slight edge goes to Indiana given that Haliburton is the best player in the deal, though both franchises should feel really good about this one.”
Haliburton made the All-Star Game in his first two years in Indiana. Last season, he led the league with 10.9 assists per game, 20.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per game. He shot 47.7 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from three-point range and 85.5 percent from the free throw line.
Tyrese Haliburton lifts Pacers
The Pacers shocked the world last season by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were ultimately swept by the eventual world champions, the Boston Celtics.
However, it’s fair to say that Indiana played the Celtics harder than anyone else, as the Pacers took some late-series leads.
Heading into next season, Indiana is once again being overlooked, but that could be a mistake.
Haliburton powers the Pacers’ offense, and while Siakam is an obvious star, Haliburton also has the support of impressive young players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith.
Additionally, Indy will benefit from the return of Bennedict Mathurin from injury.
Sabonis has been great for the Pacers, but given Haliburton’s track record so far, it’s hard to deny that this is a fantastic trade for Indiana.
The question is whether or not Tyrese Haliburton and his teammates can take the next step in an improving Eastern Conference that is home to teams like the Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
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