Tyrese Haliburton made history by subtly changing the definition of leadership in a mid-market NBA team, and he did more than just earn a raise. His July 2023 signing of a $244.6 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers signaled a turning point in both his career and the league’s continued emphasis on performance rather than popularity. With a base salary of an impressive $42,176,400 for the 2024–25 season, Haliburton is easily one of the highest-paid guards in the league.
The Pacers front office has taken a particularly creative approach with this deal, which increases yearly to over $55 million by its last year. Indiana avoided the craze and instead centered their future around a player who was more known for his playmaking than his flash by acquiring Haliburton early, before he was a full-fledged free agent. It’s a similar approach to what Milwaukee used with Giannis Antetokounmpo: a strong cultural fit, early dedication, and steady support.
Tyrese Haliburton – Salary, Career, and Personal Profile
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyrese John Haliburton |
| Birthdate | February 29, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Birthplace | Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| College | Iowa State University |
| NBA Draft | 2020, Round 1, Pick 12 (Sacramento Kings) |
| Current Team | Indiana Pacers |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| Current Salary (2024–25) | $42,176,400 |
| Contract Duration | 2023–2028 (5 Years) |
| Total Contract Value | $244,623,120 |
| Average Annual Value | $48,924,624 |
| Final Year Salary (2028–29) | $55,672,848 |
| Agents | Aaron Mintz, Dave Spahn (CAA Basketball) |
| Free Agency Year | 2029 (Unrestricted) |
Haliburton has gone from being a promising rookie in Sacramento to the undisputed leader of the Pacers thanks to his remarkable effectiveness on both ends of the court. His on-court vision has been a driving force behind Indiana’s fast-paced, high-efficiency offense, as evidenced by his average of 10.9 assists per game in the 2023–24 campaign. He orchestrates, constructing plays, changing momentum, and methodically converting potential into points. He does more than just score goals.
Haliburton triggered the NBA’s “Rose Rule,” which increases the maximum contract size for players who make the All-NBA team on rookie contracts, by agreeing to this five-year extension. His pay increased by 626% over the previous season as a result of this clause, which greatly increased his earnings. For comparison, he earned $5.8 million in 2023–2024. He will now make almost eight times that sum a year. This kind of leap is very uncommon and usually only given to players who constantly go above and beyond.
The NBA has grown more cap-savvy in recent years. To predict the emotional and statistical maturation of a player like Haliburton, front offices are employing data scientists, contract lawyers, and even behavioral analysts. In crucial playoff situations, his composed manner and focused attention provide comfort not only to teammates but also to ownership and fans who want their stars to be dependable.
There is a particularly strong contrast between Haliburton and other people in his salary range. Even though Stephen Curry makes a little more money, his style is more flamboyant and focused on branding. In contrast, Haliburton maintains an active voice in the locker room despite having a low media profile. Because of this, he is especially helpful to younger teammates who prefer silent cues to loud ones.
Haliburton is well-known off the court for his remarkably diverse interests, which range from sneaker partnerships (he famously debuted the PUMA Hali 1 in pink) to his candid admiration for women’s basketball, especially WNBA star Caitlin Clark. A refreshingly contemporary take on sports culture can be seen in their friendship, which has been humorously documented across media channels. It’s more about cooperation, advocacy, and elevating one another than it is about competition.
The Pacers are setting themselves up to maintain their competitiveness as their payroll increases by combining long-term player development with financial flexibility. For the 2025–2026 season, Haliburton’s cap hit of $45.5 million will occupy slightly less than 30% of Indiana’s anticipated cap space. Even though it sounds high, considering his impact, it’s actually very efficient. Without the off-court commotion and injury baggage that frequently ruin such deals, he is delivering All-NBA value.
Haliburton and Indiana are creating a rare and enduring partnership between a star and a franchise through mutual trust and strategic foresight. Fans take note. Colleagues come together. Sponsors come next. The repercussions extend well beyond the arena at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Haliburton’s performance has significantly improved since he signed the contract. His defensive reads have improved, his turnover rate has dropped, and he has expanded his offensive toolkit to include a more aggressive pull-up game from three-point range. Scouts questioned his willingness to take shots under pressure during his early years in Sacramento, but his willingness to do so stood out as he finished the 2023–24 season shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc.
He maintained his poised performance throughout the 2025 playoffs, averaging 18.8 points and 9.8 assists in 16 games. His status as one of the league’s cornerstone players and top guards has been cemented by his consistency. Notably, following years of reconstruction and rebranding, he is now the face of a franchise that is once again gaining popularity.
For supporters, Haliburton’s rise is more than just a spreadsheet salary line. It serves as a reminder that greatness can come from modest beginnings, that humility can still hold a place at the table of the elite, and that excellence, when combined with purpose, can have a long-lasting effect. The story goes far beyond the $244 million contract that the numbers may indicate.
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