If managed wisely, NBA money can set players and even their families up for generations. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for many players as they routinely splurge on everything they could possibly want. From expensive jewelry to luxurious cars to sprawling properties, it’s no secret that some NBA superstars have gone broke through wanton spending.
One young superstar who is learning the ropes when it comes to managing his money is Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton. He signed a massive five-year contract worth $244,623,120 in July 2023.
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And while he admitted he has been pretty responsible with his money, Haliburton candidly acknowledged one impulsive purchase: a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Not even a car guy
To paint a clear picture of just how impulsive that Rolls-Royce purchase was, Haliburton admitted on the “Come and Talk 2 Me” show that he’s not even a car guy. He didn’t go into much detail about why he ended up buying a Cullinan — a high-end luxury SUV priced between roughly $330,000 and $400,000 — but given the brand’s long-standing reputation for extreme luxury, it’s easy to understand the appeal of indulging in that level of opulence.
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But as the thrill of owning his own Rolls-Royce wore off, Haliburton realized the vehicle’s payment plan was draining his bank account faster than anything else in his life.
“When I signed my deal, I bought a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and I’m not even a car guy,” he revealed. “You know, when you get money, you’re just doing s—t, right?”
“And then, man, I got tired of seeing that lease payment come across my bank statement. So, I got rid of it like a month ago,” he continued. “I said, man, I’m tired of this.”
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Related: Shaquille O’Neal’s toughest matchup ever is now living as a cattle farmer in Oklahoma
Buyer’s remorse
Haliburton’s experience isn’t unusual. Many young athletes have similar stories — going from modest bank balances to multimillion-dollar contracts almost overnight, with all the lifestyle changes that come with it.
After spending much of their early lives with limited financial means and fully focused on chasing professional dreams, it’s not uncommon for some to be overwhelmed by the sudden access to wealth and the wide range of new possibilities that come with it in their first months as pros.
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One former NBA player who went through this process was Tim Thomas. A 6’10” forward who many thought would become a star in the NBA after he was selected seventh in the 1997 NBA Draft, Thomas didn’t waste time acquiring his dream vehicles.
“We all go through the process. And the process is, you coming from the inner city, the hood, you never had it. When you get it, you want to get the newest this, the biggest house,” Thomas stated.
“I was still in the hood… I had the best car going in the hood. And then I doubled back and got the Range Rover, so I had two vehicles, and it didn’t make any sense at the time.”
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Fortunately for Haliburton, he hasn’t made those kinds of mistakes and is keen to avoid such financial pitfalls.
“For the most part, I don’t think I’ve done anything crazy. Just try to live correctly. But I don’t think I’ve done anything crazy,” he concluded.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.