The Indiana Pacers are just three wins away from their first-ever NBA championship, and much of their success this postseason can be traced back to a pivotal trade in 2022. Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan opened up about the decision to acquire Tyrese Haliburton from the Sacramento Kings, explaining how the move fit the franchise’s long-term vision.
Buchanan admitted the team was at a crossroads before the trade. While Domantas Sabonis was a productive player and an all-star, the Pacers needed a different kind of star to build around in the modern NBA.
“It’s hard to build around a center unless you’ve got, like, a (Denver Nuggets star Nikola) Jokic—an MVP-caliber center,” Buchanan told. Instead, the Pacers targeted young, playmaking guards who could fuel a faster, more dynamic style of play under coach Rick Carlisle.
The trade that sent Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and a 2023 second-round pick to Sacramento in exchange for Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson remained a win-win at the time. Sabonis shined for the Kings, making All-NBA third-team honors in 2023 and 2024, while the Pacers slowly rebuilt around Haliburton, who made his All-Star team in 2023.
However, the Kings have struggled since, missing the playoffs and failing to contend, while Haliburton has emerged as a clutch postseason and franchise cornerstone.
Tyrese Haliburton Drives Indiana Pacers’ Championship Hopes
Buchanan highlighted how Haliburton perfectly fits the Pacers’ new playing style.“Tyrese was one of the ideal targets to try to build that type of system around,” he said.
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Referring to Carlisle’s philosophy of playing faster and more unpredictably. Since Haliburton’s debut in 2021-22, the Pacers transformed from a 19-37 team into a legitimate contender. They reached the conference finals in 2024 and now lead the NBA finals series 1-0.
Haliburton’s impact goes beyond statistics. The 25-year-old has hit four game-winning or game-tying shots in the final seconds this postseason, cementing his reputation as one of the most clutch players in recent NBA history. Averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game in the playoffs, he continues to elevate the Pacers. With Game 2 looming tonight, the Pacers look to build momentum and move closer to a historic title.
Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton Reveals The “Secret Sauce” Behind Pacers’ Stunning Playoff Surge
