COLORS KEY | FULL TEAM OUTLOOK
Struggling to win a single playoff series since Paul George’s departure, the Indiana Pacers had to switch things up by trading away their best player for a young, promising Point Guard in Tyrese Haliburton. Sabonis was the established star while Haliburton was the rising phenom with the higher ceiling and lower floor. Haliburton quickly elevated his game after moving to Indy, becoming the best passer in franchise history. In 2023-24, Haliburton recorded 40 more assists than any Pacers player in a season ever, despite missing 13 games.
Indiana also acquired SG Buddy Hield in the trade who continued being a productive player before being sent to Philadelphia in 2024 for Doug McDermott and a bunch of 2nd round picks. Considering Hield’s inability to contribute to winning teams in Indiana, McDermott’s lack of playing time, and the unlikelihood that any of those 2nd round picks will translate into an impact player, this trade was all about acquiring their point guard of the future. He’s quickly emerged as the best distributor in basketball that guys want to play with.
Future Outlook: Perennial playoff contender with Haliburton leading the way
