The dynamic duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam has proven to be the key behind the success of the Indiana Pacers this postseason.
The advantage of having a talented duo is that they can split their responsibility to save their team in critical situations.
For example, Halliburton handled clutch shots by knocking down, while Siakam was a reliable veteran for the Pacers. That’s clear from the fact that Siakam won the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP at Halliburton.
The two stars fit together well, what is the reason behind it? Now, it turns out that before the Pacers traded with Siakam last season, Halliburton confirmed it.
During media availability in the NBA Finals, Halliburton calmly answered several questions about the Pacers’ current roster.
This included revealing his important pre-trade talk with the 2019 NBA champion and his current teammate Siakam.
“I can remember everything about taking him here. We were in Atlanta and we had a pretty amazing conversation with him while I was having dinner.
“I got aside and talked to him on the phone for an hour. “Hey, is this something you actually want to do, do you want to be here?”
He added: “I think those who were part of the core of this group are crucial to this organization and what we can build here.”
Halliburton then explained that almost every NBA Championship-winning team is making a great trade to take the roster to the next level.
“I don’t think every team wants to go on a championship or play at a high level when they end up winning a championship or playing at a high level, there’s a deal that happens, or bring someone from outside and become part of it and make the wrong move.”
Despite asking important questions, Halliburton knew he would not build a friendship with Siakam overnight.
Given that they are currently teammates for nearly two seasons, the dynamics of friendship may make you wonder what lies between them. Now, Halliburton responded clearly to that.
“But this was the conversation I started because I knew the rumors and wanted to tell him. I was very grateful.
“And I think that’s a big part of the reason we are and the relationship we have, we don’t spend a lot of time off the floor.
“He lives in downtown Indy and I live further north. So it’s not like he spends a lot of time off the floor. But we talk very often. That’s a lot of basketball,” Pacerstar concluded.
Simply put, Hari and Siakam may not be the best friends in the courtroom, but they have done their job for the courtroom pacers. Currently, Indy is leading the highly talented OKC Thunder team 1-0 in the 2025 NBA Finals.