Sneaker signature deals and endorsements are expansive and abundant. Nearly every locker room has its own brand superstar and a plethora of other brands in the fold.
From ANTA to Jordan Brand and everything in between, the NBA sneaker market is as wide open as it’s ever been. While we’re accustomed to seeing player free agency dominate headlines in the summer, the sneaker free agency sagas in the fall are just as entertaining.
As the NBA’s 75th anniversary is officially underway, we dive into some of the most notable sneaker free agents.
Brandon Ingram
The Pelicans forward has been team Three Stripes for his entire career. From debuting some of the adidas YZY BSKTBL models to heavily rotating some BYW and even some Pro Models, all signs were pointing to Brandon Ingram becoming one of the new faces for the adidas’ basketball.
Since his contract with adidas Hoops expired, Ingram has subtly been rotating a handful of Nike Kyries with the Kyrie 4 Kyrie 5, and the Kyrie 7 being the flavor of choice for Ingram.
Brandon Ingram in the Nike Kyrie 7
While signing with the Swoosh might seem like the obvious choice for Ingram with his recent footwear choices and Duke roots, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see another brand like a PUMA or a Li-Ning try their luck. With Ingram’s star on the rise the last couple of seasons, it would benefit any brand to suit Ingram up properly.
Converse is also a possibility as Ingram isn’t afraid to get his drip on like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kelly Oubre Jr., the main stars for the One Star.
Jaylen Brown
Like Ingram, Celtics’ Jaylen Brown was also an up-and-coming member of the adidas Hoops core. Under his Three Stripes deal, the guard was dipping into some of Damian Lillard’s vibrant colorways.
As of late, the lethal shooter has been channeling his inner “Mamba Mentality” by rocking a handful of Kobe Protros, including the UNDFTD “Hall of Fame” collab when Brown dropped a season-high 46 points over the Knicks.
Bing bong.
Jaylen Brown in the UNDFTD x Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame”
He made headlines by stating he wanted to sign to the brand of the future, not the past, which seems like a not-so-subtle shot to legacy brands. What he means by that is up for debate, but it’s hard to argue that many brands are creating more future-forward basketball shoes than the folks in Beaverton.
Perhaps he’s thinking about the future in terms of the business and distribution model, which the industry is due for a shakeup on. Despite the trade rumors, it might be worth it for New Balance, the Boston-based brand, to add Brown to its roster. Given that Brown has already worn the New Balance TWO-WXY, the idea might not be too far-fetched.
OG Anunoby
OG is making a name for himself in the league. The Toronto Raptor is putting the six on his back with his prolific scoring and play-making abilities.
OG has been dipping his toes in a little bit of everything. From LeBron 18 Lows to Kyrie Lows, Kobe Protros, and even the New Balance TWO-WXY, the Raptors’ small-forward has a rotation as deep as his skill set.
OG Anunoby in the New Balance TWO-WXY
While it’s tough to say which brand will make its way to OG’s feet in the long term, his decision will ultimately come down to being a second or third level tier star at the Swoosh for blazing his own path forward at a brand on the rise like Under Armour, New Balance or Li-Ning.
Zach LaVine
Last but certainly not least, is Bulls’ Zach LaVine. An ex-Nike and adidas signee, LaVine is making noise with the rest of the Bulls squad. Much like his teammates in DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, LaVine has been bringing the heat with some Kobe Protros and matching the energy with off-court flair in Nike Dunks among other coveted silhouettes. He even balled out in the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” colorway this week. While we don’t think a Jordan Brand deal is on the table, a Chicago star player in Js just makes sense.
.@zachlavine8 pulled out the Air Jordan 11 Space Jam 😮💨 How much is he dropping tonight?
📸 @chicagobulls pic.twitter.com/iyQo9lG9IA
— SoleSavy (@SoleSavy) November 11, 2021
It seems that the Windy City star has already made up his mind, although an official deal to return to Nike has not been finalized. If the Bulls’ momentum continues, a trio of guards rocking Kobes all season long would be one helluva sight.
Zach LaVine in the UNDFTD x Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame”
Stay tuned to SoleSavy for more NBA storylines.
