Haliburton may be on a max contract with the Pacers, but he didn’t hold back on commenting about the “no-show” job that earned Leonard an extra $28 million. During a three-minute segment live on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, the Pacers’ star point guard responded to questions about the Clippers’ ongoing scandal with a dose of humor.

When asked if he would ever take a “no-show” job like Leonard, Haliburton quipped: “Tell them to find me too!” The remark came amid an investigation into a potential cap-circumvention scheme involving the Clippers that could have serious long-term implications for the NBA franchise.

Haliburton, 25, is currently sidelined with a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals. As a two-time NBA All-Star with career averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, he remains the face of the Pacers—someone who excels on the court while playing by the rules.

What happened with Kawhi Leonard?

The saga centers on Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard is at the center of an investigation regarding a potential cap-circumvention deal that could impact the team for years.

It all began with a report by Pablo Torre, which revealed a suspicious arrangement between Leonard and the tree-planting company Aspiration. Leonard reportedly signed a sponsorship deal worth $28 million—more than deals for celebrities like Robert Downey Jr.—without being required to perform any actual work.

The contract’s only stipulation was that Leonard remain a member of the Clippers. It was considered a “no-show” arrangement because Leonard did not need to promote the company or fulfill any additional obligations to receive the payment.

The situation became more complicated because Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was a major investor in Aspiration, reportedly putting in at least $50 million. Ballmer later denied any knowledge of Leonard’s deal and claimed he was unaware of the $28 million agreement, which included roughly $20 million in company stock.

On Thursday, Haliburton floated the idea of a tweak to the NBA rule book that could benefit pass-first guards like himself, allowing them to add to their already eye-catching assist numbers. His comment sparked debate across social media, especially because it highlighted a gray area many fans and even players are not entirely aware of.

“Today’s random thought @NBA, when we counting a lob off the backboard as an assist?” Haliburton wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Young quickly added his own perspective on the matter. “Fun fact.. I stopped throwing them when they stopped counting them,” the Atlanta guard posted on the same platform.

Backboard lobs are among the most entertaining plays in basketball, often appearing in transition when guards like Haliburton look to feed high-flying teammates. For Indiana, forward Obi Toppin has been a frequent recipient, using his athleticism to finish those highlight-reel moments. Young, meanwhile, could benefit from similar setups if paired with a skilled finisher such as Kristaps Porzingis.

Should this type of pass be counted as an assist?

According to the NBA’s current rules, the passer’s intent is the decisive factor in awarding an assist. If a player deliberately throws the ball off the backboard with the purpose of setting up a teammate for an immediate basket, the play qualifies. It is not treated as a missed shot but rather as a creative and strategic pass designed to outwit defenders.

That means a “lob off the glass” should be considered an assist if the bucket is scored directly from the pass. The play reflects a high level of vision and court awareness, as the passer uses the backboard as part of the setup. While unconventional, the objective remains identical to a standard pass: enabling a teammate to score. For that reason, the passer deserves the statistical credit.

What’s next for Haliburton and Young next season?

For Haliburton, the priority is recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. His return is critical for an Indiana project that already proved it belongs on the biggest stage. If healthy, he will look to solidify his place among the league’s elite guards and chase the championship that continues to elude him.

As for Young, his future in Atlanta appears less certain. Despite being the franchise’s cornerstone in recent years, frustration has grown as the Hawks have failed to reach the competitive heights he has envisioned. This season, however, carries the promise of renewed direction, especially with the addition of Porzingis. Whether it translates into a deeper playoff push remains one of the league’s storylines to watch.

“I’m walking now in my boot. Getting closer to walking full time in my shoe. So, that’s exciting for me. It’s kind of like a new benchmark, a new achievement for me… Just being able to walk, it’s like the small wins right now. Just taking it a day at a time. I have good days, bad days… Just trying to get as well as I can as fast as I can,” Tyrese Haliburton said, via Tony East.

Tyrese, despite showing promising progress, remains sidelined for the upcoming season, according to team officials. It is vital for him to take the necessary time to fully recover, as rushing back could risk further injury, potentially derailing his burgeoning NBA career. For that reason, the franchise is already working on options to cover Haliburton’s absence in the short term as it still considers him as an integral component of its future.

Pacers could cut two big men to reinforce roster amid Haliburton’s absence

With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the 2025-26 season, the Indiana Pacers have secured a $14.1 million disabled-player exception. However, they are not stopping there. According to Brett Siegel, both James Wiseman and Tony Bradley might part ways with the franchise before the season kicks off. This potential roster shuffle could prompt the Pacers to explore the free-agent market to strengthen their lineup further.

The Indiana Pacers are closely monitoring Malik Beasley as a potential acquisition for the upcoming season, as per Brett Siegel. However, they face competition, as the New York Knicks have also expressed interest in the 28-year-old talent. Despite the buzz surrounding Beasley, neither team has reportedly made an official offer, mainly due to financial constraints.

Although head coach Rick Carlisle’s team has a salary cap exception at its disposal, a long-term deal with Beasley could push the Pacers dangerously close to the luxury tax threshold, with only a $6 million cushion. Consequently, bringing Beasley aboard would likely need offloading another player in the 2026-27 season to maintain fiscal balance. This scenario poses a significant risk and could complicate the Pacers’ pursuit of the shooting guard.

“I think it came out towards the end of the season… I think it was pretty funny, like all my boys just joking with me about it, texting me all the time, just talking. And I’ve just, I’ve come to be the guy who just uses everything as fuel… I think that just added more fuel to the fire as a group,” Tyrese Haliburton said, via ESPN.

During the 2024-25 regular NBA season, Tyrese struggled to replicate his previous performances, averaging 18.6 points per game. This dip in production drew considerable criticism toward his $45.5 million by year contract with the Pacers. However, Tyrese turned the narrative around in the postseason, demonstrating his leadership skills and silencing many of his detractors as he led the Pacers.

Tyrese Haliburton earns high praise from Boston Celtics legend after standout playoff run

Tyrese Haliburton displayed remarkable consistency throughout the postseason series, but he truly shone against the New York Knicks. During those games, he emerged as a leading scorer for the team, surpassing 30 points twice and consistently showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities over six games. Following this standout performance, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce was quick to offer his praise.

“Top 10 easy. He’s easily a top 10 player… People forget this guy brought the Indiana Pacers to the Conference Finals last year and was a three-point shot from Jaylen Brown away from stealing Game 1…This year, I’m really seeing the potential of this team all because of one man, who influences winning more than… not Steph or Edwards, but certainly I would’ve taken him over LeBron and Brunson,” Paul Pierce said, via SPEAK.

Tyrese Haliburton’s unexpected new role with Pacers after season-ending injury

Tyrese Haliburton has already established himself as one of the NBA’s elite players. Unfortunately, his absence in the 2025-26 season will keep him from showcasing his skills both during the regular season and in the postseason. Despite this setback, he remains a vital part of the team. According to general manager Chad Buchanan, Tyrese will take on a new role with the franchise off the court.

“You’ll see him out, we’ll probably lean on him doing some scouting next year for us to have him help with trades. He’s very intelligent when it comes to the NBA and the Draft,” Chad Buchanan said, via Setting The Pace.

“I know they’re thinking the Pacers are done… Lost Game 7 in the most brutal way possible … lost their franchise player for next season … lost their center in free agency. You’d think people would learn by now, but: We’re actually not done… Replacing Myles will be tough. Playing without Tyrese will be … whatever is tougher than tough… we’re going to work like hell to feel it again soon,” T.J. McConnell said, via The Players’ Tribune.

Haliburton’s injury certainly disrupted the roster plans, but the Pacers still boast outstanding talent with players like Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard. While individual brilliance is notable, their true strength lies in the cohesive teamwork fostered by head coach Rick Carlisle. By retaining the core of their roster, the Pacers have found their most significant reinforcement.

Furthermore, Rick Carlisle may have found an impressive reinforcement in Summer League standout Kam Jones. Selected with the 38th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he has shone for the Pacers with solid performances such as a 21-point, 11-assist game against the New York Knicks. Although he is a rookie, he’s already taking on-court responsibilities similar to Haliburton. If he can sustain these impressive performances, he could take on a significant role in the team.

Pacers receive unexpected help from NBA after Tyrese Haliburton injury

While Tyrese Haliburton’s injury has posed a significant challenge, the Indiana Pacers are still navigating the complexities of finding a suitable replacement for their postseason star. The situation is further complicated by a ballooning payroll that, according to The Athletic, has reached historic levels. This escalation in spending risks incurring a costly luxury tax. However, the NBA has taken action that offers some relief to the franchise.

During an appearance on ‘Setting the Pace,’ Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan announced that the NBA has granted their request for a Disabled Player Exception. This exception not only helps the team sidestep the luxury tax but also allows the franchise to maintain its current roster. Additionally, it opens up the possibility for the Pacers to explore signing a point guard to fill the void left by Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, even if it means assuming the tax.

“I would say this about Tyrese — I think he’s one of the greatest simple early-passers I’ve ever seen. Sometimes you have great vision like Tyrese and you want to hold it to make that killer pass. You think, ‘I can get something better,’ and you might hold it for a second. But sometimes he just gets rid of it. And what that does — it makes defenses unsettled,” Steve Nash said, via Mind the Game podcast.

Tyrese delivered a strong performance throughout the regular season, posting averages of 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. However, it was during the postseason that his prowess truly shined. Facing off against the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals, he elevated his game significantly, boosting his assist average to 10.5 and his scoring to 21 points per game.

Not only did Steve Nash but also Kevin Durant praised Tyrese for his impressive performance with the Indiana Pacers. In an interview on Mind the Game podcast, he stated, “What I love about Indy (Indiana Pacers) too, and what I think is an underrated factor, like Tyrese kicks the ball ahead, He doesn’t dribble across halfcourt every time … The center hand him the ball, he kicking it ahead no matter who it is.”

Tyrese Haliburton’s injury expected to reshape Indiana Pacers’ plans for 2025–26 season

In the wake of a devastating injury sustained during the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton is confirmed to miss the entire 2025-26 season. As a result, the franchise is adapting its strategy with Andrew Nembhard stepping into the role of lead point guard. While he may not possess Haliburton’s creative flair, his decision-making prowess and defensive capabilities position him as a crucial asset to the team.

Meanwhile, the onus falls on Pascal Siakam to steer the team forward, much like he did during the postseason. His scoring ability will be instrumental in helping the Indiana Pacers maintain their competitive edge. Nevertheless, the challenge remains in compensating for the seamless offensive transitions that Haliburton provided, which were pivotal in their journey to the NBA Finals.

“I think they should go all the way tank. Like at some point, somebody has to get the first-round pick. So everybody’s superstar got hurt. We know, to us, it’s somewhat rigged right? So Boston lost JT. Milwaukee lost Dame. Indiana Pacers lost Tyrese. The drop off for the Pacers is going to be so much more drastic because from going from the Finals, losing your star player, the drop off is going to be like…compared to everybody else,” Jeff Teague said, via On the Club 520 podcast.

Teague’s remarks have stirred a divide among Pacers fans. Many criticize the idea as an uncompetitive approach, effectively conceding the season. However, some fans find merit in the strategy, particularly following the confirmed season-long absence of Tyrese Haliburton for the 2025-26 NBA season. His absence could significantly weaken the team compared to the previous season, leading some to support Jeff’s suggestion.

Moreover, former Milwaukee Bucks player Jeff Teague suggests that the Pacers could strategically aim for the No. 2 draft pick by tanking, potentially securing a standout talent. This speculation gains traction not only with Tyrese Haliburton’s injury but also due to Myles Turner‘s recent move to the Milwaukee Bucks via free agency. Despite the growing fan interest in Teague’s idea, the Pacers have a well-defined strategy in place.

The Indiana Pacers have reached an agreement to re-sign James Wiseman. As reported by Tony East on X, formerly Twitter, his contract is for two years. He also added that the contract includes a team option in the second year. Although injuries have affected his career, he has already shown he has the ability to perform in the league. In Turner’s absence, he would have the best opportunity to earn a spot on the starting lineup.

With recent roster additions, many fans argue against tanking, suggesting the team is stronger than it appears. Star players like Pascal Siakam can make a notable impact, especially in the postseason. The team’s success in the 2024-25 season relied not only on its star players but also on a deep and capable rotation. For these reasons, supporters believe that pursuing competitiveness is the right path for the 2025-26 NBA season.

After the game, Miller took to social media to offer support for Haliburton and express pride in the team’s incredible postseason run—particularly in light of the injury that stunned fans and teammates alike in the opening minutes of the game.

“I felt the gut punch to Pacer Nation, not only from the loss, but the loss of our fearless leader Tyrese Haliburton. The man upstairs always has a master plan and ‘this too shall pass,’” Miller wrote. “I’m very grateful to the Pacers TEAM for bringing so much pride, grit and togetherness back to Indiana basketball. Masterful job on the sideline, Coach Rick Carlisle. And let’s not forget about all the men and women who work in the Front Offices who sacrifice a lot of their time to make things happen.”

Indiana entered the playoffs as an underdog and shocked the basketball world by pushing their way to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Throughout each series, the Pacers proved they had the firepower to compete with any contender. Their run was defined by toughness, belief, and a refusal to back down from any opponent.

What happened to Haliburton?

The injury occurred in the first quarter as Haliburton attempted to shake free from Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After a sharp move, the Pacers guard collapsed to the floor in visible pain, clutching his right leg. He was helped off the court and did not return.

Haliburton had started the game on fire, knocking down three of his first four three-point attempts. It looked like the All-Star guard was set to deliver a special performance in the biggest game of his young career—until the injury cut it short.

According to Shams Charania, Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon and had also been playing through a pre-existing calf strain in the same leg. The news stunned the NBA world, particularly given his effort to suit up despite the discomfort.

Charania also reported that Haliburton is likely to miss the entire 2025–26 NBA season. It’s a devastating blow for the Pacers, who lose their franchise cornerstone at the peak of his ascent. The heartbreak of the Game 7 defeat is compounded by the grim outlook for the team’s immediate future.

The most recent of the three was Haliburton, who tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals—won by the Oklahoma City Thunder behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who broke a Michael Jordan scoring record. Video clearly shows the moment Haliburton goes down after the rupture.

Lillard, on the other hand, sustained his injury back in April. Footage of his rehab surfaced last month, suggesting he may be slightly ahead of Haliburton and Tatum in his recovery timeline heading into next season.

What connects these three after their Achilles injuries?

It’s a detail that’s easy to miss, but has sparked a lot of discussion on social media: all three—Haliburton, Tatum, and Lillard—wear jersey number 0 for their respective teams (Pacers, Celtics, and Bucks).

Another detail that’s raised eyebrows: each player was wearing low-top sneakers when the injuries occurred. The design has been criticized in recent years, and former NBA player Nick Van Exel addressed it bluntly on X back in May:

“There have been Achilles tears throughout the years but my thoughts on them is that they happen more now and I think it has something to do with them *** lows the players wear nowadays. Cover them ankles up fellas.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Haliburton

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed genuine concern after seeing Haliburton go down in Game 7. The moment stuck with him as a painful reminder of how fast things can change.

“My heart dropped for him. I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. I just felt so bad for him. Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player.”

The injury occurred in the first quarter, as Haliburton tried to shake off Shai Gilgeous–Alexander on a drive. After making a quick move, the Pacers guard fell to the floor clutching his leg and was unable to continue.

Haliburton had gotten off to a red-hot start in Game 7, knocking down three of his first four attempts from beyond the arc. It looked like it was going to be a special night for the Pacers’ star before the injury abruptly ended his performance.

After Haliburton’s emotional exit to the locker room — assisted by team staff and in visible pain — the Pacers’ official X account (formerly Twitter) confirmed that the star guard will not return to the game, officially bringing his season to an end.

Haliburton’s dad also in tears after star guard’s injury

One of the most emotional moments of the night at Paycom Center came off the court — cameras caught Tyrese Haliburton’s father visibly in tears as he watched his son leave Game 7 in pain.

The Pacers star exited in the first quarter with an Achilles injury, as Haliburton’s dad confirmed to ESPN, ending his NBA Finals run and bringing a somber tone to Indiana’s title hopes.

Haliburton’s Game 5 injury adds context to devastating Game 7 exit

Tyrese Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals wasn’t entirely without warning. Back in Indiana’s Game 5 loss, it was revealed that the Pacers star had suffered a calf injury that significantly limited him in the games that followed.

Despite not being at 100%, Haliburton pushed through the pain and suited up for Game 6, making it clear that missing time was never an option in his mind. “It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here. I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can,” Haliburton said after the Game 5 loss.

“I was not great tonight by any means but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. They understand that and it is what it is, and you know, got to get ready to go for Game 6,” he added.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with averages of 30 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, and he’ll be looking to bounce back from a shaky Game 6 performance that included eight turnovers. History favors the Thunder, as 15 of the last 19 Finals Game 7s have been won by the home team.

The Pacers, however, have proven they won’t go quietly. Indiana forced Game 7 with a dominant 108–91 win in Game 6, marked by their relentless defense and balanced scoring attack.

Tyrese Haliburton, despite playing through a calf injury, has been clutch throughout the series, while Pascal Siakam added a double-double in the previous game. The Pacers forced 21 turnovers in Game 6, eight from Gilgeous-Alexander alone, and held the Thunder to just 91 points—well below their playoff average. Indiana’s depth has been a major factor, with eight players averaging double digits during the postseason.

Who will be the officials for Game 7 between Pacers and Thunder?

The officials for tonight’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Thunder and the Pacers will be James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright. This experienced crew has handled numerous high-stakes playoff games, and their assignment signals the league’s intent to maintain a steady and respected hand in the most important game of the season.

In a surprising twist, Scott Foster—often nicknamed “The Extender” due to his reputation for working in pivotal playoff games—was not assigned, despite widespread speculation that he was all but guaranteed to officiate this Game 7.

What time is the NBA game tonight?

Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will take place tonight, Sunday, June 22, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM (ET).