Words by Jason Cordner
Nike’s stronghold on the sneaker industry has been loosening for some time now.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has signed a four-year sneaker deal with Adidas that could be worth as much as $35 million, according to ESPN’s Nick DePaula. The 2x NBA dunk contest champion has repped for Nike in his first three seasons, but the brand recently waived a “match clause” in his contract, allowing him to sign on with Adidas.
BREAKING: Bulls’ @ZachLaVine agrees to a 4-year shoe deal with Adidas worth up to $35 million, paving way for the 22 year-old to become a future face of the brand.
Full story on @ESPN: https://t.co/OPkcKgzdK7
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) November 3, 2017
Right now, Adidas has signature shoes with Derrick Rose, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. LaVine gives the company another high-profile player — he won two Slam Dunk Contests and averaged nearly 19 points last season with Minnesota. LaVine hasn’t played a game for Chicago yet, still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last spring.
Makes Sense For Addias To Go After a Bull
LaVine is Adidas’ chance to get back in on the wing market, and in a premier NBA market, no less. Chicago, of course, is famed for Michael Jordan in the ‘90s. The Bulls have a certain mystique around them, and LaVine has a chance to emerge as a star for the team.
