The 2007 Trade That Shaped the 2025 NBA Finals Teams and Their Rivalry

In the closing seconds of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, four standout players made a significant impact: Indiana Pacers guards Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, along with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The intensity of the game heightened when Williams, after receiving a pass from Gilgeous-Alexander, missed a crucial 3-pointer that could have extended the Thunder’s lead to nine points with just over two minutes remaining. Shortly after, Nembhard took center stage by sinking a three-pointer over Gilgeous-Alexander on the next possession. This exchange showcased the tension and skill present in this high-stakes matchup.

As the game neared its conclusion and the Thunder held a fragile 1-point lead, Gilgeous-Alexander attempted a pull-up jumper but failed to convert with only 11 seconds left on the clock. The rebound fell to the Pacers, who quickly worked the ball to Haliburton. Displaying his poise under pressure, Haliburton nailed the game-winning shot with a mere 0.3 seconds on the clock. The significance of this moment extends beyond the individual performances, as all four players—Haliburton, Nembhard, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Williams—have played pivotal roles in their teams’ accomplishments in recent years.

Their connections can be traced all the way back to a key transaction in the summer of 2007. During this time, Sam Presti, who was then the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, executed a sign-and-trade involving forward Rashard Lewis. This move would prove foundational in establishing both of this year’s NBA Finals contenders, underscoring the long-term impact of strategic trades in the league.