Why Fox believes Kings-Pacers trade was win-win situation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
In sports, trades usually have a loser and a winner. However, there are rare times, such as the Feb. 2022 six-player deal between the Kings and Indiana Pacers, where both teams are satisfied with the outcome.
De’Aaron Fox noted to Stadium’s Shams Charania that it was a win-win situation for both franchises. Sacramento acquired an All-Star big man in Sabonis and Indiana received Tyrese Haliburton to lead their rebuild.
“When it happened and then they sent who it was kind of like, ‘Wow, we’re losing someone who is a really good player, who’s going to be a star in this league, but we’re getting someone who’s also already been an All-Star,’ ” Fox told Charania. “My initial reaction, too, was, ‘I never played with a big that that could command so much attention and do the things that he does.’
“I think our situations have both gotten better. I think [Haliburton] getting a team obviously showed everybody what he can do. Me playing off someone like Domas has made me a much better player and showed people what I can do. So I think it’s a win for everybody.”
The Kings acquired Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and a 2023 second-round pick while the Pacers received Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristian Thompson in return. Nonetheless, Sabonis recalled the day the trade occurred as he didn’t find out at the exact moment the news broke.
“It was crazy taking my pregame nap,” Sabonis told Charania. “We’re gonna play the [Atlanta] Hawks, and you get this call, and you’re like, ‘Wow, you know, and all my friends, coaching staff, relationships I’ve made throughout my years in Indiana.
“They came into my room, you know; we spent some time together before they all head off to the game … and then that’s it. We got a plane, you know. Justin and Jeremy and that’s it, we were out.”
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The Sabonis trade might be where most Sacramento fans will point to when the franchise’s fortunes began turning around, as the team is on the verge of snapping their 16-year playoff drought.