Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton played a key role in helping bring All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to Indianapolis. The trade had a significant impact on the Pacers’ success this season. In January 2024, as trade rumors swirled around Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam, Haliburton took the initiative to reach out. He wanted to ensure that Siakam was genuinely interested in joining the Pacers and understood the importance of team chemistry and commitment.
Since joining, Siakam has made a significant presence in the Pacers’ depth. He earned his third All-Star selection and led the team in both points and rebounds. He provided the versatility needed to compete at the highest level. Together with Haliburton, they formed a formidable duo, navigating through the Pacers’ development and first NBA finals appearance in 25 years.
Before the January 2024 deal, Haliburton and Siakam met briefly during summer workouts. But when he heard pacers were interested in Siakam, Haliburton made the first move. During a road trip in Atlanta, he called Siakam to talk things over. “I wanted to have a conversation, ‘Hey, is this something you actually want to do? Do you want to be here?” Haliburton said. That phone call helped build the trust needed to move forward.
Haliburton’s leadership and vision for the team shaped this deal. His partnership with Siakam turned the Pacers into genuine title contenders, showing how one bold conversation helped change the team’s path.
Tyrese Haliburton And Pascal Siakam’s Post-Game Conversation
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a dramatic 111-110 win in game 1 of the 2025 NBA final, taking the lead for just 0.3 seconds. Tyrese Haliburton hit the game winner after the Pacers erased a 15-point fourth quarter deficit, highlighting their fifth such comeback this postseason.
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Despite 24 turnovers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38-point performance, the Pacers stayed composed. “We don’t give up until it’s 0.0 on the clock,” Haliburton said, highlighting the team’s resilience.
After the game, Haliburton and Siakam shared a fiery exchange in the tunnel, knowing the job was done. “Let’s get greedy, man. Cmon, we’ve got so much to work on,” Haliburton said. “We didn’t even play well, “Siakam responded bluntly to him.
"Let's get greedy, man."
— ESPN (@espn) June 6, 2025
"We didn't even play well."
Hali and Siakam have their eyes on Game 2 of the NBA Finals 👀 pic.twitter.com/3gZc0ZjiWo
With three wins now separating them from their first NBA title, the Pacers know improvement is key. Their consistency can make them a formidable contender, easing their final series, and right now, they are only looking for that.
Also Read: Is This The Beginning Of A New NBA Era With Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals?
