Very few trades in the NBA are truly win/wins. Even fewer have such a positive impact on multiple people. Despite heavy criticism at first, the Sacramento Kings found a deal that is paying huge dividends.
For the Indiana Pacers it was a no brainer, the Pacers were stuck with Domantas Sabonis as their number 1 option. While Sabonis is a wonderful player, to truly be competitive, he needs a co-star at his level or preferably better, if possible. The Pacers having a strange middle of the pack, injury prone roster, had no way to make that happen, with that result, a reset was needed.
Step forward, Tyrese Haliburton, a young prospect, that felt to many that he was borderline untouchable. A smiley, pass first, point guard with All-NBA hopes and dreams brimming with positive energy. Overnight, the Pacers took two steps back, then immediately five steps forward. The Pacers found their direction and for once, are in a position to punch through the typical ceiling of being a “competitive” 1st to 2nd round exit from the NBA Playoffs.
The Pacers lost enough games to drop in the draft lottery and add Bennedict Mathurin, who has the potential to be the perfect long term co-star for Haliburton.
Between Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Isaiah Jackson and Buddy Hield, the Pacers have plenty of defense and shooting. This specific formula is needed to bring the best out of a star player, and Indiana is developing that.
For the Kings, on the other hand, it’s been a miserable run for a long time. For years, the Kings have dealt with uninspiring lottery bound basketball, along with poor draft selections, which lead to nearly nothing. Enter Monte McNair.
Monte saw an opportunity. He saw a way to break the drought, and had goals to change the culture for Sacramento. McNair made a controversial decision at the time, to move on their new starboy. In return, the Kings, got a multiple time All-Star big, that makes everyone better, especially arguably their best player, DeAaron Fox. They then surrounded the pair with shooting and defense. Kevin Huerter & Malik Monk have exceeded most expectations, in part due to the influence of Sabonis. The chemistry between Sabonis & Huerter in particular, is magical to watch.
It’s still awfully early to look at the standings but the Kings find themselves as the 3 seed in the Western Conference. A remarkable achievement, to say the least, especially considering their recent history. They have also found a way to not limit their ceiling.
Young forward Keegan Murray, has been an absolute sniper, who is flourishing as the Kings 5th option. As time goes on, the hope will be that he brings a bag full of the self creation he showed in college, and take some offensive load off the two main guys.
Once that clicks, this Kings team might have the best offense in basketball.
The trade was initially looked at as a 1 for 1 and it was a lazy way to assess things.
DeAaron Fox, Myles Turner, Sabonis & Haliburton all have made significant jumps, and I don’t believe that would’ve been possible without this trade occurring. The overall benefits completely outweigh the 1 for 1 value.
Nonetheless, both teams are thriving, and both fanbases are happy!
A couple of under appreciated and disrespected franchises helping each other climb out of their respective holes. You love to see it!
Do you believe the Kings or the Pacers will be playoff bound? Let us know on
By : Brett Wood
Twitter : @NbaWoody
*Photo courtesy of The Ringer*
WE LIKE SPORTZ SHOW 