Roster Revamps: The Art of Trading Up
When teams shake things up by dealing away key players, it’s often a win-win situation for all parties involved. The 2022 trades between the Pacers and Kings are a prime example of this. By swapping Haliburton and Sabonis, both teams addressed positional logjams and set themselves up for future success.
A Logjam in Indiana
The Pacers found themselves with an excess of talent at certain positions, making it difficult to give everyone the playing time they deserved. Myles Turner, a fan favorite, was never going to be traded, so the front office had to get creative. Enter Tyrese Haliburton, a 24-year-old point guard with a max contract and a world of potential.
A Point Guard Surplus in Sacramento
Meanwhile, the Kings were dealing with a glut of point guards, including De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, and Haliburton. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s likely that none of these players will be on the Kings’ roster. Sabonis, a triple-double machine, was a great fit for the Kings, but his game is better suited to the 90s, when big men didn’t need to be outside threats.
The Pacers’ Championship Dreams
Despite some early-season struggles, the Pacers are building a championship team around Haliburton. With injuries behind them and their star point guard developing into a true leader, it’s clear that Indiana got the better end of the deal. Haliburton’s growth has been impressive, and his max contract ensures that he’ll be leading the Pacers for years to come.
A Trade for the Ages
In the end, the Pacers and Kings both came out winners in this trade. The Pacers got a franchise point guard, while the Kings got a dominant big man. It’s a trade that will be remembered for years to come, and one that showcases the art of trading up in the NBA.
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