SUMMARY
- Philadelphia 76ers regret not acquiring Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, choosing Simmons over them two years ago.
- Haliburton has excelled with the Indiana Pacers, showcasing impressive skills in several games.
Some trade decisions are taken in an instant, while others are well-thought-out and executed. However, the possibility that the individual will end up regretting that decision remains in both cases. This scenario now holds ground for the Philadelphia 76ers as the trade deadline is approaching. The Sixers are standing at No. 3 in the Eastern Conference and are riding on a four-game winning streak.
However, the team has some mighty forces to reckon with in the play-in tournament. This wouldn’t be a matter of concern if the team had traded Tyrese Haliburton. Back in January 2022, when the league was actively trading players, the Sacramento Kings put Haliburton on the trade block. On the other hand, Ben Simmons, of the 76ers was up for a trade as well.
TWO years ago today, the Philadelphia 76ers DECLINED this trade involving Tyrese Haliburton from the Sacramento Kings! 😳
76ers receive:
Tyrese Haliburton
Buddy Hield
Harrison Barnes
Two 1st round picksKings receive:
Ben Simmons
Tobias Harris
Matisse ThybulleDid… pic.twitter.com/gHRHWigIpx
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) January 19, 2024
In the proposed trade, the Kings were receiving Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Matisse Thybulle. And the Sixers would have gotten Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, and two first-round picks. As queer as it may sound, the Sixers didn’t think Haliburton, Hield, and Barnes could match the exchange offer for the Australian star. Hence, the trade rumors were then knocked off by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on January 28, 2022.
The Kings then ended up trading Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers. And the 23-year-old star has had a blast so far. The point guard and NBA All-Star is in his third season with the Pacers, and the stellar show in the offseason was a sight to behold. It’s worth noting that not only did Simmons witness a crashing career, but Haliburton has created history in many games since.
The disastrous decision by the Sixers has now completed its second anniversary. While NBA fans can only imagine what wonders the duo of Joel Embiid and Haliburton could do, the Sixers might be regretting the lost opportunity.
Tyrese Haliburton is recovering from the hamstring injury after a blasting start to the season
Although the star is often in the headlines for his consistent record of 20+ points and 20+ assists this season, the hamstring injury did bring some bad news. The star guard sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in his left leg on January 8, 2024.
While facing off against the Boston Celtics, the star collided with Derick White and then ended up in an awkward position on the floor. He immediately grabbed the back of his left leg and had to be carried off the floor.
Per the doctors, the injury needed some time off the floor. Consequently, the 23-year-old missed out on five games after amassing just seven points on the disastrous night. On January 19, 2024, Haliburton and the Pacers went all-in against the Portland Trail Blazers in a road game. Although the team lost by a meager 3-point score, Haliburton recorded 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 17 assists in his 35 minutes.
He is averaging 23.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 12.6 assists in the 34 games he has played. The point guard also seems to be very close to entering the ‘50/40/90’ club as the season ends.
