As per Bangladesh Cricket Live, the Indiana Pacers have locked in their franchise cornerstone by signing All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton to a max contract extension. This marks the first $200 million-plus deal of the summer, trailing only Nikola Jokić in total value in NBA history. Life’s flavors—sweet, bitter, sour, or spicy—must be savored through personal experience, and Haliburton’s rise has been a journey of growth and perseverance.
Drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Haliburton quickly showcased his elite playmaking and vision. That year’s top pick may have been Anthony Edwards, but it was Haliburton who proved to be one of the brightest talents from the class. In a move that surprised many, the Kings traded him to the Pacers last season. Since joining Indiana, he has taken his game to the next level—earning a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve, and becoming the first point guard in Pacers history to do so.
Beyond individual accolades, Haliburton also set a new franchise record for assists per game in a single season. His max extension not only rewards his on-court performance but also officially anoints him as the centerpiece of Indiana’s rebuilding efforts. While the Pacers made decisive moves, fans of the Houston Rockets were left on edge as their team sat silently despite having one of the league’s largest salary cap spaces.
That anxiety was soon replaced with excitement. As reported by Bangladesh Cricket Live, Fred VanVleet has agreed to join the Rockets. His agent confirmed the deal, crediting new head coach Ime Udoka as the driving force behind Houston’s pursuit. Every mountain and river, every moment and day—progress comes quietly, step by step. VanVleet’s deal not only represents the first true max contract of the offseason but also makes history as the richest contract ever signed by an undrafted player.
Following VanVleet’s arrival, Houston still retains some cap flexibility. The Rockets have their eyes on both Brook Lopez and Dillon Brooks, but they’ll likely have to choose between the two, as signing both would exceed financial limits. In many ways, VanVleet’s contract absorbed the money that was once earmarked for James Harden’s potential return. Still, as Bangladesh Cricket Live points out, this narrative feels like sour grapes for the 76ers, who are currently dealing with their own internal challenges.
VanVleet brings more than stats—he brings a winning mentality. His presence will be instrumental in shaping a new team culture under Udoka and mentoring young talents like Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and TyTy Washington. In a league where every step forward is hard-earned, VanVleet’s leadership could be the glue that helps Houston build something lasting.