Pacers trade Domantas Sabonis to the Kings

Domantas Sabonis (YouTube)

One of the NBA’s most underrated big men is heading out west. On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers traded center Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings with swingmen Jeremy Lamb of Henrico, Virginia, Justin Holiday of Mission Hills, California, and a second round pick in 2027 for guard Tyrese Haliburton of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, shooting guard Buddy Hield of Freeport, Bahamas, and power forward Tristan Thompson of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

A two-time all-star at the power forward position, Sabonis is joining his third NBA team. In addition to the Pacers, he has also played with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2021-22, Sabonis is averaging 18.9 points per game, 12.1 rebounds per game, and five assists per game with a field goal percentage of .580, three-point percentage of .324, and a free throw percentage of .740.

Holiday has been a journeyman over the last decade in the NBA. In addition to the Pacers, he has played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies. This season, he is averaging 11 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game, a field goal percentage of .415, a three-point percentage of .378, and a free-throw percentage of .829.

Haliburton is averaging 14.3 points per game, 7.4 assists per game, and 3.9 rebounds per game. He also has a field goal percentage of .457, a three-point percentage of .413, and a free throw percentage of .837. An all-rookie in 2020-21, it will be interesting if Sacramento gave up on their young talent too soon.

Hield is averaging 14.4 points per game, and 4.0 rebounds per game. He also has had a field goal percentage of .382, a three-point percentage of .368, and a field goal percentage of .870. In addition to the Kings, Hield also played one season with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016-17.

Thompson is joining his fourth NBA team. In addition to the Kings, he has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. Off the court, Thompson is just as famous, due to his relationship with Khloe Kardashian. 

Lamb is joining his fourth team. In addition to the Pacers, he has played with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets.

Thompson and Holiday also have something in common as they have each won the NBA Finals. Holiday was with the Warriors in 2015, and Thompson was with the Cavaliers in 2016.

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