Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers

The Kings going after Domantas Sabonis at the trade deadline was not too shocking, especially given their interest in him the months leading up to the deadline, but the fact that they traded second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton shocked the NBA community. 

Sabonis is a two-time All-Star and one of the best rebounding big men in the league, but Tyrese Haliburton was the first draft pick in a while to be a “gem” for this Kings franchise and he was showing All-Star potential this season. 

In 6 games with the Pacers since being traded, Tyrese Haliburton has continued to display his All-Star potential, as well as continue to develop into one of the best-looking facilitators and playmakers in the league. 

With the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 2.0 steals and he is averaging about 3.2 made threes per game after not really being utilized as a shooting threat in Sacramento. 

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The Pacers struck gold in their trade with the Kings at the trade deadline because Haliburton is not only someone they can build around for years to come but a player that they can make the face of their franchise. 

Tyrese Haliburton’s success opens the door to success for the Pacers, especially since they have many options on how to “re-tool” in the offseason. The young guards’ success on the floor could mean that the Pacers will trade Malcolm Brogdon for more “win-now” value and at 21-years-old, Indiana can keep Haliburton around for a while. 

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This truly is looking like the best acquisition made at the trade deadline this season and while they are not going to make the playoffs, the Pacers have one of the best, high-potential young players in the league right now.