Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton has turned down a jaw-dropping $12 million offer from the Thunders. Despite the eye-popping figure and the prestige of joining one of the most storied program in NBA, Tyrese Haliburton chose loyalty over money. In a brief statement released by the Indiana Pacers Athletics, Tyrese Haliburton said:
**BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton Rejects \$12 Million Thunder Offer, Chooses Loyalty to Pacers Over Prestige**
*June 26, 2025 — Indianapolis, IN*
In a stunning display of loyalty and leadership, **Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton** has officially **turned down a massive \$12 million offer** from the **Oklahoma City Thunder**, opting to remain with the team and city that helped him grow into one of the NBA’s premier floor generals.
The offer — reported to be part of a multi-year restructuring that included performance incentives and championship bonuses — would have seen Haliburton join a Thunder franchise that’s recently risen to prominence with a deep playoff run and young core. But for the 25-year-old All-Star, **loyalty outweighed the lure of legacy** elsewhere.
In a brief but powerful statement released by **Pacers Athletics**, Haliburton said:
> **“You don’t walk away from something you’ve built with your own hands. Indiana believed in me, and I believe in Indiana. The job’s not done here.”**
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### 🏀 A Player Indiana Won’t Let Go
Haliburton has become the face of the Pacers since arriving via trade from the Sacramento Kings in 2022. Since then, he’s transformed Indiana into a playoff contender, earning multiple All-Star nods, All-NBA honors, and averaging 20+ points and 10+ assists per game. His chemistry with young teammates, especially rookie sensation Cooper Flagg (recently acquired), has electrified fans and revitalized Pacers basketball.
Pacers President **Kevin Pritchard** praised the decision:
> “Tyrese is more than a player — he’s our culture, our leader, and our heartbeat. His choice shows that greatness doesn’t just follow talent — it follows character.”
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### ⚡ Thunder’s Pursuit Falls Short
The Thunder’s offer — though generous and strategic — was ultimately unsuccessful in luring Haliburton from a team he has fully embraced. Oklahoma City, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had hoped to pair the two dynamic guards in what would have been the most fearsome backcourt in the NBA.
NBA insiders report that the Thunder “pushed hard,” with sources confirming the \$12 million figure was part of a larger multi-season pitch including marketing incentives and playoff equity.
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### 💬 Fans React: Loyalty Still Exists
The decision has sparked widespread admiration across social media, especially from Pacers faithful who have long seen Haliburton as the leader of a new Indiana dynasty.
> “In a league where guys chase rings and dollars, Tyrese chose heart,” one fan wrote. “That’s how you become a legend.”
Even players around the league weighed in. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham tweeted:
> **“Respect to Tyrese. That’s a real one. Not everything is about the bag.”**
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### 🔮 What This Means for the Pacers
With Haliburton staying put, Indiana now doubles down on its core: Haliburton, Flagg, Mathurin, and Turner — one of the league’s most exciting and balanced young squads. With loyalty secured and leadership intact, **the Pacers are poised for a serious run at the Eastern Conference crown**.
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**Tyrese Haliburton turned down money, power, and prestige — and in doing so, just might have earned something greater: legacy.**
**Indiana’s future is bright. And it’s staying home.** 🏀💛💙
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