By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have agreed on a five-year, designated maximum contract extension that could be worth up to $260 million, his agents, Dave Spahn and Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal is the largest in the Pacers’ history and also the franchise’s second deal ever to exceed $100 million.
Haliburton played college basketball for Iowa State University before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft. He gained recognition for his playmaking skills, basketball IQ, and versatility on both ends of the court.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Haliburton was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 12th overall pick. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season and emerged as one of the top young talents in the league.
Haliburton is known for his exceptional court vision and passing ability. He has a great feel for the game and can make accurate and creative passes, setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. His ability to make quick decisions and find open teammates has made him an effective playmaker for the Kings.
In addition to his playmaking, Haliburton has shown a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to score from outside. He has a reliable three-point shot and is capable of hitting shots off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations.
Defensively, Haliburton has good instincts and uses his length and quickness to disrupt opponents. He has the ability to guard multiple positions and has shown potential as a versatile defender.
Haliburton’s maturity, basketball IQ, and overall skill set have garnered him praise from teammates, coaches, and fans. He has quickly become a fan favorite in Sacramento and is considered a key part of the Kings’ young core.
However, Haliburton was traded in February 2022 to Indiana in a deal centered around big man Domantas Sabonis. It’s a move that has worked well for both franchises considering the Kings snapped a 16-year playoff drought in 2023 and the Pacers acquired a young point guard that can be the foundation of their team for years to come.
He broke out as a first-time All-Star last season for Indiana, becoming the first player in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 assists while shooting 40% from 3-point range in a season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research (20.7 points, 10.4 assists, 40.0% 3-point).