BREAKING NEWS: I would have done this since but I wanted to have a clear view of it, Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle in a stunning statements has announced the signing contract deal of point guard Tyrese Haliburton worth 110  Million with the Dallas Mavericks And….

I would have done this since but I wanted to have a clear view of it, Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle in a stunning statements has announced the signing contract deal of point guard Tyrese Haliburton worth 110  Million with the Dallas Mavericks And….

In a moment that left reporters stunned and social media buzzing, Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle made a statement Friday morning that caused a wave of confusion across the NBA world.

“I would have done this since,” Carlisle began during his media availability, “but I wanted to have a clear view of it. Tyrese Haliburton has signed a $110 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks.”

The room fell silent as reporters looked around, puzzled. Carlisle, who previously coached the Mavericks for over a decade and led them to a championship in 2011, appeared calm and deliberate as he continued speaking — but the shock of his claim had already taken hold.

Did Haliburton Really Sign with Dallas?

The idea that Tyrese Haliburton — the Pacers’ franchise point guard and All-Star centerpiece — had signed a nine-figure deal with another NBA team, particularly the Dallas Mavericks, immediately seemed implausible. Haliburton is under contract with Indiana through the 2028-2029 season after signing a five-year, $260 million rookie max extension last summer. No recent trade activity or cap space maneuvering from Dallas had even hinted at such a move.

Within minutes, speculation began swirling across social media platforms, with fans, insiders, and journalists trying to determine whether Carlisle had broken major news — or simply misspoken.

Team Clarifies Coach’s Comments

Not long after the quote began trending online, the Indiana Pacers issued a swift statement to clear the air.

“Coach Carlisle was making a tongue-in-cheek remark during his media availability today,” the statement read. “Tyrese Haliburton remains fully committed to the Indiana Pacers. There is no deal with the Dallas Mavericks or any other franchise.”

The clarification quelled much of the confusion, though the coach’s odd phrasing continued to spark discussion about what prompted the statement in the first place.

Tyrese Haliburton Responds with Humor

As speculation spread, Tyrese Haliburton weighed in with a lighthearted response. Taking to Instagram Stories, he posted a screenshot of the quote with a laughing emoji and the caption: “Guess I’m heading back to Texas?” followed by, “Just kidding, Indy.”

Haliburton also posted a short video of himself in Pacers gear, working out in the team’s facility, with the caption: “Still here. Still locked in.”

Fans appreciated the playful response. Many used the moment as an opportunity to poke fun at Carlisle, photoshopping Haliburton in a Mavericks jersey or imagining him trying to fit into Dallas’s offense alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Carlisle’s Ties to Dallas

While Carlisle’s statement was clearly made in jest, it touched a nerve given his strong connection to the Dallas Mavericks organization. Carlisle spent 13 seasons as head coach in Dallas, winning the NBA title in 2011 and cementing his legacy there. He returned to Indiana in 2021, where he previously coached from 2003 to 2007.

Some analysts believe his comment was an inside joke or a moment of dry humor that simply didn’t land.

“He’s known for being deadpan,” said longtime NBA insider Marc Stein. “Carlisle has a unique sense of humor. But in today’s social media world, that kind of quote gets picked up and spun in seconds.”

The Real Haliburton Deal

Tyrese Haliburton remains not only a Pacer but the franchise’s undisputed centerpiece. After a breakout 2024 season where he averaged over 20 points and 10 assists per game, Haliburton helped lead the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over a decade. His leadership, court vision, and charisma have made him one of the NBA’s most promising young stars.

In July 2023, Haliburton signed a five-year rookie max extension worth up to $260 million, making him the highest-paid player in Pacers history. There have been no indications of trade discussions involving him, and the team has made it clear that they are building around him for the long haul.

The Takeaway

While Rick Carlisle’s comment may have been intended as a lighthearted moment, it briefly ignited a frenzy that reminded fans how quickly words can spiral in today’s sports media landscape.

“I would have done this since, but I wanted to have a clear view of it…” Carlisle had said — perhaps referring to taking time to reflect during the offseason or evaluate team moves. But it was what came next that grabbed headlines.

In the end, Haliburton is still very much a Pacer — and Carlisle’s offhand comment will likely go down as one of the stranger moments of the summer.

“I think next time I’ll keep the jokes to myself,” Carlisle later told a team staffer, according to a report. “Or at least pick a team that doesn’t make people panic.”