Tyrese Haliburton blasts NBA’s second apron rule on Pat McAfee Show

Tyrese Haliburton has entered the debate over the NBA’s second apron rule, calling it a roadblock for elite teams trying to stay elite.

On The Pat McAfee Show, the Indiana Pacers star said the rule needs serious discussion when the league’s next collective bargaining agreement is negotiated. Haliburton argued the current system-designed to create parity-is backfiring by punishing successful franchises too harshly.

What did Haliburton say about the second apron?

Haliburton called the second apron “something that will have to be discussed” when the NBA and players union revisit the CBA. He acknowledged the rule’s original intent-to spread opportunity-but insisted it’s now hurting the very teams it was meant to protect.

“Even with the Knicks not being able to run back that same roster the following year,” Haliburton said. “I hope it’s something that we fix eventually.”

The second apron took effect before the 2024-25 season. Teams that exceed it face escalating luxury-tax penalties, making roster-building far costlier. The league has seen eight different champions in eight years, a streak the rule helped enable.

How the Pacers’ future hinges on the rule change

Haliburton signed a five-year, $244 million extension with Indiana in July 2023. He’s set to earn $48.9 million next season, $52.3 million in 2027-28, and $55.7 million in 2028-29.

Last season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists while making the All-NBA Third Team. The Pacers acquired him from Sacramento in the February 2022 trade for Domantas Sabonis.

In his Pacers career, Haliburton is up to 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. He led Indiana to the 2025 NBA Finals.

What comes next for Haliburton and the Pacers?

Haliburton’s father, John, expects the Pacers to contend for a title when Tyrese returns from injury. “I expect them right at the top,” John told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.

He argued the young core-rookies and second-year players-grew through Indiana’s deep playoff run. “By the time Tyrese gets back on the floor, these guys have already been through the fire,” John said. “What’s going to stop them from going to the top?”

New York won the 2025 championship, but only after Indiana’s late absence. With Haliburton back, the Pacers will be in the mix again.

Haliburton has career averages of 17.5 points and 8.8 assists in the regular season, plus 17.9 points and 8.4 assists in the playoffs. His return could shift the balance in the East.