Kings on Sabonis arrival: 'We are ecstatic' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: USA Sports Today-Scanpix Credit USA Sports Today-Scanpix

The Sacramento Kings officially announced the acquisition of the Indiana Pacers trio Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb.

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Kings sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson in exchange.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Domantas, Justin and Jeremy to our Sacramento Kings family," Kings General Manager Monte McNair said in the press release. "This was a unique opportunity to acquire a two-time All-Star and two veteran NBA wings as we continue to build here in Sacramento."

"We would also like to thank Tyrese, Buddy, and Tristan for their contributions to the Kings and wish them well moving forward," he added.

Meanwhile, Kings' head coach Alvin Gentry shared his thoughts about Sabonis' abilities.

"He is a very good screener," Gentry said after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. "We are a pick'n'roll team. Screening and rolling are some of the strongest sides of Sabonis. Hopefully, he can help in this area by doing that."

"He can also free up some shots for the guys. Simply because if we play high post offense that we are capable of, I think he will be able to create some shots for the guys," Gentry added.

The Kings will play Timberwolves once again on an upcoming night, but Gentry didn't confirm whether Sabonis, Holiday, or Lamb will be able to make their debuts.

Meanwhile, Sacramento forward Harrison Barnes noted after the game that he believes management made a move in an effort to make the playoffs this season.

"It's less about developing and more about where we're at," he said. "You don't bring in a guy with the talent like Sabonis to grow and develop in the next two to three years. This pushes us forward."

Tyrese Haliburton, on the other end, was reportedly shocked to hear the news about being traded. Per journalist Mark Jones from ESPN, Haliburton got the impression that the Kings really wanted Sabonis.

It's a new chapter both for Haliburton and Sabonis. It remains to be seen which one will be more successful.

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