Sacramento Kings Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 6 – IND)

Indiana Pacers Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F Maurice Harkless, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 4 – SAC)

This year, it feels like an inordinate number of teams in the lottery have playoff ambitions next season.

The Sacramento Kings certainly do. Of course, they were on the other side of the Haliburton trade. In acquiring Sabonis at the deadline, they issued a clear statement: they’re ready to break their playoff drought.

This deal has the two teams coming back to the bargaining table. This time, the Sacramento Kings are acquiring a veteran replacement for Haliburton in Brogdon. It makes perfect sense as they gear up for a playoff run. Brogdon would be sharing a backcourt with De’Aaron Fox, suddenly giving the Kings one of the league’s most dynamic guard pairings.

Meanwhile, this trade is probably about Jaden Ivey for the Indiana Pacers. He’s from the area. More importantly, they’d solidify their backcourt of the future by pairing him with Haliburton. The two would make for an interesting partnership.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kings Interested In Trade For Pacers Guard Malcolm Brogdon

The more athletic Ivey has the potential to be an on-ball superstar, while the more cerebral Haliburton thrives both with and without the rock.

If the Pacers stand pat at six, they’ll still put themselves in a prime position to land another interesting young talent to their roster. On the other hand, there could be opportunities to trade up. They should at least explore them.