In February 2022, the Indiana Pacers traded two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton. More than two years later, it’s fair to say that both teams have benefited from the deal.
The Kings have a solid duo in Sabonis, who finished in the top 10 in MVP voting in two full seasons with the team, and point guard De’Aaron Fox. Additionally, they acquired former Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan this offseason and are hoping to return to the playoffs once again.
As for the Pacers, they have excelled since acquiring Haliburton. The Wisconsin native has emerged as one of the NBA’s best young guards since joining the team. Over the past two seasons, he’s a two-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA Third Team selection and is the reigning assists leader.
Additionally, Haliburton is now an Olympic gold medalist after playing for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it only gets better.
Last season, Haliburton helped the Pacers reach their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2014. With the 24-year-old at the helm, the sky is the limit for the Pacers as they inch closer to a legitimate title race.
While the Kings did well in this trade, it’s hard to argue that the Pacers didn’t do better. And it seems like writer Greg Swartz agrees with that sentiment, according to a recent article from Bleacher Report.
In a review of the trade, Swartz said what most people think: “This is a rare blockbuster that’s a win for both sides.” However, he gave the Pacers an “A+” grade and the Kings an “A.”
Swartz gave the Pacers a slightly higher grade because, as he put it, “Haliburton is the best player in the deal.” While Sabonis was fantastic in Sacramento, Haliburton has improved every year and helped his team win more right away. He’s coming off the best season of his career and can become one of the best guards in the league if he isn’t already.
Moving on from Sabonis, who had spent five seasons with the Pacers, was difficult. However, knowing what we know now, the team I would easily do this business 10 times out of 10.
