Congratulations to Haliburton! He successfully proposed to his girlfriend Jones while wearing protective boots, and Durant applauded him.

On July 29, Beijing time, Pacers star Haliburton missed his first NBA championship ring in June, but he gained the most precious "jewelry" in July. He successfully proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Jade Jones, and the couple announced the news on Instagram.

Haliburton chose the Hilton Coliseum as the proposal location, which is the home court for Iowa State University's basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling teams, and also where the two met.

The guard, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, arrived at the venue wearing protective boots and on a scooter, kneeling on one knee to propose. Behind them was a sign that read, "Will you marry me?" and the ground was covered with rose petals. The couple started dating in 2019 after meeting at Iowa State University.

Haliburton spent two seasons at Iowa State University before being selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA Draft. Jones was a member of the school's cheerleading squad.

After the proposal, the couple took photos outside the iconic clock tower at Iowa State University, showcasing Jones's new diamond ring.

"This is where our story began, and it's also where our next chapter starts," the couple wrote in their Instagram post. Durant, who is not yet married, appeared in the comments to give his blessings.

The Pacers confirmed in early July that Haliburton would miss the entire 2025-2026 season due to injury, allowing the team to receive a disabled player exception. In the NBA, injured players still occupy a spot on the 15-man roster. This exception allows teams to sign a player through trade or free agency during the season, but there are certain salary restrictions.

In the 2024-25 season, Haliburton played 73 regular-season games for the Pacers, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. He had several key performances in the playoffs, leading the Pacers to the finals, where they ultimately lost to the Thunder. Three of Haliburton's shots made it into the top five of the NBA's official annual highlight reel of clutch plays.