Indiana Pacers: Re-grading the Haliburton-Sabonis trade two months later

How did the trade turn out for the Indiana Pacers?

On their part, the Indiana Pacers acquired Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson. The first two were quickly integrated as featured players on the team’s attack, while the latter had a short stint in the Circle City before signing with Chicago.

The Pacers have had a poor 6-17 record since pulling the trigger on the trade, but this is in large part due to their big pivot to a youth movement, as compared to the first half of the season when they were riding an overdue core.

Now, Indiana is led by Haliburton, a modern point guard prototype that can score and facilitate in high frequency. In 23 games donning the Blue and Gold, the sophomore floor general has logged 17.3 points and an astonishing 9.8 assists per game. Beyond the numbers, however, Haliburton has given the franchise a lot more clarity direction-wise, as he profiles as a franchise cornerstone that they can build around for years to come, something they never resolutely clinched with Sabonis.

Alas, Buddy Hield, the other major part of the deal, has been a wonderful addition to Indiana. His future with the franchise remains a question mark, but he has managed to steer clear from being too one-dimensional, thriving in the Pacers’ fast-paced offense as a secondary release valve on the playmaking department. Ultimately, he should be a valuable asset to the team in the near future.

The culmination of the benefits of this trade may not manifest itself in the most proximate season to follow. The trade is not perfect, as they could have arguably fished out some semblance of draft compensation from the Kings, but this trade has undoubtedly breathed new life into a franchise that has long traversed the cycle of mediocrity.

Grade: A-