Midway through the 2021-22 campaign, the Indiana Pacers traded Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in package that landed them Tyrese Haliburton.
Some weren’t sure what to think of the deal at the time, as Sabonis had made his mark for the Pacers and had developed into one of the best centers in basketball.
But looking back, things have turned out pretty well for Indiana.
That’s why Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz has given the Pacers an A-plus grade for the trade.
“This is a rare blockbuster that’s a win for both parties. Haliburton wouldn’t be the same player in Sacramento sharing the ball with De’Aaron Fox, and the Pacers have since traded for Pascal Siakam to take over Sabonis’ old spot,” Swartz wrote. “The slight edge goes to Indiana given Haliburton is the best player in the deal, although both franchises should feel really good about this one.”
Haliburton has made All-Star appearances in each of his first two years in Indiana. This past season, he led the league with 10.9 assists per game to go along with 20.1 points and 3.9 rebounds over 32.2 minutes per game. He shot 47.7 percent from the floor, 36.4 percent from three-point range and 85.5 percent from the free-throw line.
The Pacers shocked the world last season by making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were ultimately swept by the eventual world champion Boston Celtics.
However, a legitimate argument can be made that Indiana played the Celtics tougher than anyone, as the Pacers coughed up a couple of late leads in the series.
Heading into next season, Indiana is once again being overlooked, but that may be a mistake.
Haliburton has the Pacers’ offense humming, and while Siakam is an obvious star, Haliburton also has support in the form of impressive youngsters like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith.
Plus, Indy will be getting Bennedict Mathurin back from injury.
Sabonis was terrific for the Pacers, but seeing the results Haliburton has provided thus far, it’s hard to argue against this being a fantastic trade for Indiana.
The question is whether or not Tyrese Haliburton and Co. can take the next step in a rapidly improving Eastern Conference that houses teams like the Celtics, the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
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