By Ryan Chan
In the 2020 NBA Draft, The Sacramento Kings selected point guard, Tyrese Haliburton with the 12th pick overall pick. Haliburton had a great rookie season, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game and making the All Rookie First Team. Many assumed that Haliburton was going to be a franchise player moving forward, but during the 2021 season, the Kings shocked the NBA community and traded Haliburton to the Indian Pacers in exchange for All-star Domantas Sabonis.
The trade was made as part of the Indiana Pacers’ rebuilding process. The Pacers were looking for a young player to build their team around while letting go of their talent. The Sacramento Kings, on the other hand, were looking to add to their roster and saw Sabonis as an excellent fit as someone the Kings could run their offense around.
Fast forward to the 2022-2023 seasons, both teams have achieved their goals. Halliburton has taken over as the Pacers’ leader, averaging 20 points and 10 assists per game. Halliburton has been named an All-Star in recognition of his newfound stardom.
Meanwhile, Sabonis has been having a great time in Sacramento. Sabonis averages 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He has been a consistent source of offense for the Kings, who have the league’s second best offensive rating. In the end, both the Kings and the Pacers benefited from the trade, making it one of the few win-win transactions in the NBA.
Inside Sports Journal 