As if it was any question before, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark just confirmed that Tyrese Haliburton doesn't plan on going anywhere anytime soon and wants to finish his career with the Indiana Pacers.
In a recent interview with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Clark spoke about her and Haliburton wanting to remain in Indiana for the rest of their careers. According to Clark, she and Haliburton enjoy playing in "a small market," and that thought has only been established further given the Pacers' current NBA Finals run.
"Ty and I would both tell you this is where we both hope to stay the rest of our careers," Clark said. "People are like, 'It's a small market.' But no, that's what makes it fun. These people, this is what means the world to them. We haven't hosted a Finals game in 25 years, and I've never seen this type of excitement. People are lining up three hours before the game. I literally just got the chills thinking about it.
The Pacers acquired Haliburton from the Sacramento Kings in February 2022 in exchange for Domantas Sabonis. Since joining the team, the Wisconsin native has gotten better every single year and is already making a name for himself as one of the franchise's heroes. The present day looks great for Haliburton and the Pacers, but the future is incredibly bright as well. Though the team is currently in the NBA Finals, Indiana's best days may still be ahead of them, and it sounds like Haliburton will be there the rest of the way.
Tyrese Haliburton has a chance to do something special in Indiana
Last year, Haliburton led the Pacers to their first conference finals appearance in a decade. Though the team lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics, the Pacers put the league on notice. This season, Haliburton led the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, and the franchise's second in history.
As it stands, the Pacers are just two wins away from winning their first-ever NBA Championship. It is too early for fans to celebrate, but they are in a great spot at the moment--one they haven't been in in decades. However, what makes the team so impressive is that they are as successful as they are while also having such a bright future.
Haliburton turned 25 years old in February. Additionally, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are both 25 years old as well, and Bennedict Mathurin is turning 23 in less than a week. All of these players have played a big role in Indiana's success this season, and none of them have even hit their peak yet.
If the Pacers hang on to their series lead against Oklahoma City and walk away with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, they will have officially etched their name in NBA history. However, even if they don't, Indiana should remain in the title picture for a very long time. They have done everything right up to this point to get themselves here, and the Pacers have what it takes to take the league by storm. Luckily for them, it sounds like their star guard will be with the team during their best days and, if Clark's comments hold true, for the rest of his NBA career.