Jalen Suggs appeared on ESPN on Monday to discuss the trade that sent shockwaves around the league over the weekend. But that wasn’t the reason his interview went viral. Instead, fans were shocked to learn that Suggs and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are actually cousins.
Fans Are Shocked To Learn Suggs and Haliburton Are Cousins
In the interview on ESPN, the network aired a graphic that sent social media into a frenzy. “Tyrese Haliburton’s cousin” appeared under the video feed and Suggs was asked about his relationship to the Pacers’ star.
“I’ve known ‘Reese since I was really young — fourth grade, fifth grade — I’ve been around him and watching him hoop,” Suggs said. “Just to see him get to this stage has been amazing.”
Suggs also revealed that the experience has helped transform his own beliefs about the Magic’s NBA title dreams.
“Seeing these guys perform on this high of a stage, I know for me, it really makes it feel attainable.
“The biggest takeaway for me is that this is possible.”
Both Suggs and Haliburton are also related to former NBA star Eddie Jones, a former first-round pick who played 14 seasons in the league. The two NBA stars are also related to future NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs, who finished his career with 139 sacks, good for eighth all-time.
Suggs’ family ties with Haliburton isn’t his only connection in the NBA Finals. Suggs also grew up playing with Andrew Nebmhard and Chet Holmgren at Gonzaga, where the trio led the Bulldogs to the National Championship Game in 2020-21.
On social media, fans were stunned by the admission that Suggs and Haliburton grew up together.
I was today years old when I found out Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton are cousins 😯 pic.twitter.com/2zu0zL5SeG
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) June 16, 2025
The reveal amazed fans around the league who had no idea the two former first-round picks were related.
I’M SORRY… when did Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton become COUSINS 🤨
I’m absolutely shocked. pic.twitter.com/ihSRvLJKms
— CourtSideHeat (@CourtSideHeat) June 16, 2025
Suggs Reveals How He Heard About Desmond Bane Trade
The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in return for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, three first-round picks, and an additional pick swap in the first round. The haul has been widely criticized on social media but several analysts have since come forward to justify the bounty that Memphis received in exchange for Bane, who has never made an NBA All-Star appearance.
Suggs admitted that he learned about the deal from his ESPN Fantasy app, which sent a notification to his phone before receiving a phone call from Magic team president Jeff Weltman a few minutes later.
The Magic haven’t won a playoff series since 2010 but that didn’t stop the franchise from going all-in on its current roster. Anchored by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic have a chance to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference next season, especially with Jayson Tatum likely out for the season.
