February 8, 2022 will be a day that lives in infamy for fans of the Sacramento Kings.
That was when the Kings decided to part ways with Tyrese Haliburton, instead hitching their wagon to De'Aaron Fox and starting a new chapter with Domantas Sabonis.
Years later, fans are watching in agony as Haliburton is about to play in his first NBA Finals, and the Kings aren't even in the playoffs. Time hasn't been kind to this blockbuster trade.
Tyrese Haliburton: the one who got away
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The Kings had a choice in 2022: did they want a future with De'Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton? They couldn't have both, and they needed to decide. That's exactly what they did right before the trade deadline, shipping Haliburton to Indiana in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and a draft pick.
At the time, analysts and fans said this trade was a win-win for both teams. Fast forward to today and Kings followers are distraught. Sabonis has been a solid addition, one of the best big men in the league, but the team has floundered.
To make matters worse, Fox didn't even stick around in Sacramento. Earlier this season, he finally decided he wanted to leave and made his way to San Antonio. And now there are rumors of Sabonis being traded, too, [which would set the Kings back years](https://aroyalpain.com/kings-are-one-domantas-sabonis-decision-away-from-offseason-disaster-01jwkdn8hfr5).
Haliburton has led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals twice in a row and is now about to duke it out with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a championship. In media appearances, he seems legitimately happy, proud of himself and his team. There is no denying he's a perfect fit in Indiana, but the skills he will employ in the Finals are the same ones he _could_ be showing off in Sacramento.
If only the team's front office had made the right call. It's not that choosing Fox over Haliburton was that egregious. After all, Fox is a very talented player too. But the fact that the Kings didn't do whatever was necessary to continue building the team and keep Fox happy after that says a lot.
The Kings had one brief time in the sun a couple of seasons ago, and now they aren't even qualifying for the playoffs. Plus, their team identity is completely confused. Sabonis could be leaving, other players might be packing their bags, and everything feels uncertain in Sacramento. Yes, things _could_ get better next season, but [they could also get a lot worse](https://aroyalpain.com/blockbuster-trade-ideas-ignore-painful-truth-about-kings).
Fans are forced to confront that reality while also watching Haliburton smile and laugh as his Pacers approach the Finals. At the same time, they see Fox in San Antonio, totally pleased with his team too. No one can blame them for sighing, hanging their heads in shame, and wondering what could have been.