When Tyrese Haliburton got traded to the Pacers in 2022, he made it clear he was just as shocked as everyone else.
“There was no inclination that was even in the realm of possibility,” Haliburton said on the Numbers On The Board podcast. “Trade deadline’s coming up, I’m cool.”
Haliburton recounts being at breakfast the morning of the trade deadline after the Kings lost to the Timberwolves in Minnesota when his agent reached out to tell him a deal could be brewing.
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Initially, Haliburton thought it might be Philadelphia that was interested in his services. However, a call with 76ers’ forward and former Iowa State teammate Georges Niang set the record straight; Philly wasn’t who was engaging Sacramento in trade talks.
A short time later, Haliburton’s representation reached out about what was being discussed … with then-ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski on the phone. It was Wojnarowski who had the destination:
“I think it’s Indiana.”
Minutes later, the Kings’ front office called to confirm the speculation and inform Haliburton he had been dealt to Indiana with Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday and a 2023 second-round pick (which became Jordan Walsh).
Less than two seasons into his young NBA career, the promising guard experienced what he described as his “first reality of what the NBA is really like.”
As a member of the Pacers, Haliburton has become a franchise cornerstone and emerged as one of the league’s premier playmakers and clutch shot makers in today’s NBA.
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tyrese Haliburton found out about his trade to the Pacers from Woj but not the way you think
Reporting by Cameron Cocquyt, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron Cocquyt, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
