On Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings made a huge splash before the NBA trade deadline with the Indiana Pacers. The Kings acquired two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, and a 2023 second-round pick. They sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson back to Indiana.
A former Kings rising star, Haliburton shared his feelings about the fans he will have to leave behind on Twitter.
“Sacramento, I love y'all! Can't put all my feelings into words yet, but know I'm forever grateful and appreciative of each and every one of you.”
It was not a surprise that the Kings made a move for Sabonis. However, it was surprising to many that the Kings included Haliburton in the trade. That includes Haliburton himself as Mark Jones of ESPN noted he was shocked at the news.
The Kings were thought to be in a rebuild with Haliburton being one of the key pieces to build around. He is only 21 years old and is considered a budding star in the league.
Haliburton was averaging over 14 points and seven assists per game for Sacramento. He even chipped in on the glass for a guard with almost four boards per game. His well-rounded game made him a strong asset and one whom many believed was untouchable.
Let's not get it twisted, though. The key piece they got back, Sabonis, is a bona fide star. He is a double-double machine, who is shooting nearly 60 percent from the field.