Tyrese Haliburton picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the MVP race over Victor Wembanyama

As the 2025-26 season winds down, the biggest storyline amongst players is the MVP race. Of course, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite, as he can win the award back-to-back. However, he now has rivals, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge.

While Gilgeous-Alexander will likely win the award, people are making arguments for the San Antonio Spurs superstar. At the same time, even Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is also making some noise with all his impressive performances. This has led people to weigh in on the MVP debate.

Haliburton believes an SGA repeat will happen over a Wembanyama MVP win

It is easy to see why Gilgeous-Alexander could win the MVP award for the second consecutive year. He is scoring at an unreal rate, as he is averaging over 30 points a night. At the same time, he is the undisputed leader and playmaker for the best team in the league.

Not only is he a fantastic offensive player and leader, but he is also a positive force on the defensive end. Considering most star guards struggle in that area of the floor, it is hard to fault him. On the other hand, Wembanyama is a behemoth with guard skills that never fail to be impressive.

MORE: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama ascends the MVP ladder to #1 over SGA and Luka

As an All-Star himself, Tyrese Haliburton knows what it takes to be a top star. He did so by carrying the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals and taking the Thunder to seven games in the 2025 Finals. Unfortunately, he injured his Achilles tendon in Game Seven, which led to the Thunder getting the win.

From the sidelines, he has been watching the NBA, and he feels that SGA is the MVP. That is not a shot at Wembanyama or Doncic, but Haliburton appreciates what Gilgeous-Alexander has done in OKC this season.

"If I had a vote it for sure would go to SGA for back to back. I think what Wemby is doing in SA is amazing. I would vote for SGA. I see the campaign that's going on for him and it's with well reason but I would definitely vote for SGA," Haliburton said on the Prime Video NBA broadcast.

The Spurs went from being outside the Playoffs to being the only team that can catch up to the Thunder. He also deserves MVP love, especially since he is elite on both ends of the floor. Wembanyama is the runaway favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and he is being considered for the MVP.

More NBA news: 

• The Thunder might lose Lu Dort in the offseason
• Jaylen Brown calls out Lu Dort for his overly physical defensive style
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes a bold take about the NBA Playoffs and the Spurs
• Wembanyama claims that he deserves to be the MVP over Gilgeous-Alexander
• Wembanyama and Holmgren's rivalry gets a deep dive from an NBA Hall of Famer