DEAL DONE: Indiana Pacers Point Guard Tyrese Halliburton Signs a 4-year $75.6 million Contract deal With Dallas Mavericks and… 

Indiana Pacers Point Guard Tyrese Halliburton Signs a 4-year $75.6 million Contract deal With Dallas Mavericks and…

In one of the most unexpected moves of the NBA offseason, Tyrese Haliburton, the All-Star point guard formerly with the Indiana Pacers, has signed a four-year, $75.6 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The news sent shockwaves through the basketball world on Wednesday, as fans and analysts alike scrambled to make sense of the blockbuster shift.

Haliburton, widely viewed as one of the league’s brightest young floor generals, leaves Indiana after helping revitalize a Pacers franchise in transition. Known for his unselfish playmaking, high basketball IQ, and elite court vision, the 25-year-old has made a name for himself as one of the top passers and offensive organizers in the game.

A Surprising Turn

The move comes as a surprise to many, particularly given Haliburton’s deep ties with the Pacers organization. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020 and later traded to Indiana in 2022, Haliburton became the cornerstone of the Pacers’ rebuild. His combination of leadership and on-court production quickly earned him a max contract extension in 2023 and a spot in the All-Star Game.

However, sources close to the situation suggest Haliburton was increasingly drawn to the Mavericks’ roster stability and championship aspirations.

“This isn’t about the money,” Haliburton reportedly told close confidants. “It’s about being in a system that’s ready to win now. I’ve done the rebuilding thing. I want rings.”

His new deal with Dallas comes in at an average of $18.9 million per season—less than many expected for a player of his caliber, suggesting a possible discount to join a contending team.

A New Era in Dallas

With Haliburton now in the mix, the Mavericks add a significant piece to their backcourt, potentially forming one of the most dynamic guard duos in the NBA alongside Luka Dončić. The pairing raises tantalizing questions: Who handles the ball? Who plays off it? And how do defenses cope with two elite playmakers sharing the floor?

For head coach Jason Kidd, it’s a good problem to have.

“Tyrese is the kind of player that makes everyone around him better,” Kidd said in a team-issued statement. “His ability to read the floor, make the right play, and control the tempo gives us a whole new dimension.”

Dallas, who fell just short of a deep playoff run last season, now looks to be all-in on contending. The addition of Haliburton gives them a secondary ball-handler capable of running the offense when Dončić sits or playing alongside him for stretches to keep opposing defenses guessing.

What This Means for Indiana

For the Pacers, the departure of Haliburton is nothing short of monumental. He was not just their best player, but the face of the franchise and a fan favorite. The decision to move on likely reflects internal strategic differences—or perhaps a mutual recognition that the team and player had different timelines in mind.

Pacers President Kevin Pritchard released a brief statement thanking Haliburton for his contributions.

“Tyrese brought class, talent, and leadership to our organization from day one,” Pritchard said. “We’re grateful for everything he gave us and wish him nothing but success moving forward.”

Indiana is now expected to lean heavily on its young core, including Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Andrew Nembhard. Whether they seek to replace Haliburton via trade, free agency, or internal development remains to be seen.

The Bigger Picture

Around the league, Haliburton’s move is being viewed as part of a growing trend of young stars taking control of their own destinies—not just chasing big-money deals, but aligning themselves with competitive situations.

“Players today want to win, and they want to do it now,” one NBA executive said anonymously. “Tyrese taking less money to go to Dallas? That sends a message. Guys aren’t waiting around anymore.”

While some critics may question the wisdom of Indiana letting go of a franchise player in his prime, others see it as a bold new chapter for both sides.

As for Haliburton, he now steps into a bigger spotlight than ever before—on a team with championship ambitions and national attention.

“I’m just ready to hoop,” he told reporters  as he landed in Dallas. “Let’s get to work.”