Hali Absolutely Loved Being in Sacramento Too 😭…more than you think.

Tyrese Haliburton’s rise to NBA stardom has captivated fans across the country, especially during this year’s electric playoff run with the Indiana Pacers. But as the spotlight intensifies on “Hali,” as he’s affectionately known, one thing has become more apparent than ever: he never wanted to leave Sacramento.

And honestly, Sacramento didn’t want him to leave either.

The relationship between Tyrese Haliburton and the Kings was one of those rare NBA connections that felt right from day one. Drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Haliburton immediately became a fan favorite in Sacramento—not just because of his skills, but because of his genuine love for the city, the franchise, and the people around him.

So when he was suddenly traded to Indiana in February 2022, in a move that shocked even the most jaded NBA insiders, it left a lingering sadness on both sides. And now, years later, as Haliburton leads a deep playoff run with the Pacers, that heartbreak is back in the conversation—this time mixed with a heavy dose of “what if.”

The Start of Something Special

Haliburton’s rookie season in Sacramento was filled with promise. Despite the Kings’ on-court struggles, his impact was immediate. He played with joy, pace, and an unusually high basketball IQ for someone fresh out of college. He averaged 13 points and 5 assists, shot efficiently, and quickly established himself as a leader—even in a locker room filled with veterans.

But what made Hali stand out wasn’t just what he did on the court—it was how he embraced Sacramento off the court. He spoke often about loving the small-market vibe. He visited local schools, connected with fans, and built a real relationship with the community. He didn’t treat Sacramento as a stop on the way to something bigger. To him, it already was big.

“I want to be part of the reason this place turns around,” Haliburton said in an interview just months before the trade. “I want to win here.”

That’s what made the trade so painful.

The Trade That Shook the League

On February 8, 2022, the Kings made a franchise-altering move: they sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson to Indiana in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday.

To this day, it remains one of the most debated trades in recent NBA history.

From a basketball standpoint, it wasn’t without logic. Sabonis was a two-time All-Star. The Kings wanted to win immediately. But the emotional impact? Devastating.

Haliburton’s reaction was raw. In his first media availability with the Pacers, he admitted he was “blindsided.” He thought he was going to be part of Sacramento’s long-term core. Instead, he was packing his bags after just a season and a half.

“I thought I was going to be there forever,” he said later. “It hurt. Because I gave everything to that city.”

And the fans? They felt it too. Many took to social media to express their heartbreak. Haliburton had represented hope. He was young, talented, and wanted to be there. In a league where loyalty often feels one-sided, he was the exception.

From Heartbreak to Stardom

While the trade was painful, it also became the catalyst for Haliburton’s breakout.

In Indiana, he was immediately handed the keys. The offense ran through him. The coaching staff empowered him. And Hali delivered—elevating his game year after year. He turned into an All-Star, a top-five assist leader, and one of the smartest and most efficient point guards in the league.

And this season? He’s taken the leap. Leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals while averaging over 20 points and 10 assists per game in the playoffs, Haliburton has firmly planted himself in the upper tier of NBA stars.

He’s doing it with flash, with poise, and with that same joy that made Sacramento fall in love with him in the first place.

But here’s the thing: he never forgot Sacramento.

Love That Never Left

Even now, years later, Haliburton continues to speak highly of his time with the Kings. When the Pacers played in Sacramento earlier this season, Haliburton received a loud ovation from the Golden 1 Center crowd. He smiled. He waved. He looked like someone visiting home.

“I loved my time here,” he said after the game. “I’ll always love this city. They gave me my first chance. It meant everything to me.”

It’s rare in today’s NBA to see such mutual respect after a breakup. But that’s exactly what exists between Haliburton and Sacramento. No bitterness. Just appreciation. And maybe—just maybe—a little longing for what could’ve been.

Looking Ahead

Now, as Haliburton inches closer to a potential Finals appearance, the narrative has shifted. It’s no longer just about the pain of the trade—it’s about how both sides grew from it.

The Kings finally broke their playoff drought with Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox leading the way. They’re building something special of their own.

And Haliburton? He’s flourishing. In a new city, with new teammates, and the same heart.

But every time he throws a no-look pass or drops 30 in a must-win game, there’s a part of Sacramento that watches and wonders: What if he had stayed?

One thing’s certain: Haliburton absolutely loved being in Sacramento. 😭
And Sacramento? They still love him right back.