Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton, Puma Agree to Reported 'Massive' Multiyear Shoe Contract
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is continuing his ascent toward superstardom, landing a major endorsement contract with Puma.
"I'm super excited to announce that I've joined the PUMA Family," Haliburton said in a press release on Tuesday. "I look forward to being a part of their commitment to the next generation of basketball. PUMA's vision and dedication to supporting athletes align perfectly with my goals, and I'm excited to represent the brand on and off the court."
Tyrese Haliburton @TyHaliburton22Made you look. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PUMAfam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PUMAfam</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PUMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PUMA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PUMAHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PUMAHoops</a> <a href="https://t.co/njC9vGmVcW">pic.twitter.com/njC9vGmVcW</a>
Nick DePaula of Boardroom and ESPN first reported the 24-year-old had agreed to a "massive" multi-year shoe deal with Puma that will make him the future face of the brand.
B/R Kicks @brkicksTyrese Haliburton has signed a "massive" multi-year sneaker deal with Puma, per <a href="https://twitter.com/NickDePaula?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickDePaula</a>. <br><br>The deal will make Haliburton the face of the brand. <a href="https://t.co/QlqfGeKbjf">pic.twitter.com/QlqfGeKbjf</a>
Haliburton raised some eyebrows when he showed up to media day wearing a pair of loafers instead of sneakers. He also had his socks flipped to hide the Nike swoosh, apparently sending a message that he was a sneaker free agent.
Haliburton signed a deal with Nike shortly after entering the NBA as the No. 12 pick in the 2020 draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career has blossomed in Indiana, as he's earned an All-Star selection in each of the last two seasons and he won a gold medal as part of Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Boardroom had previously reported (h/t HoopsHype) that "brands including Anta, Puma, and New Balance made aggressive pushes all summer to sign" Haliburton. In the end, Puma convinced the 2024 NBA assists leader to join the company.
DePaula's note that Haliburton will be the "future face" of Puma is interesting, as it was previously expected that Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball would fill that role. Ball, who had the fourth installment of his signature shoe released last month, has dealt with back-to-back injury-shortened seasons, hindering his career progress.
Puma also made a significant investment in Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson, who was given a signature shoe as a rookie in 2023 and unveiled the second edition at media day. Henderson endured a disappointing rookie season that had many questioning if he was prepared for life in the NBA.
There aren't many questions surrounding Haliburton, as he's helped establish the Pacers as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Fans will be anxiously awaiting the brand's first installment of his signature line.