Zach LaVine’s sneaker free agency has come to an end.
The Chicago Bulls star has agreed to a multiyear shoe deal with New Balance.
“I’m partnering with a brand that’s investing in me and I’m investing in them, so I’m extremely happy,” LaVine said (via ESPN’s Nick DePaula). (Click highlighted text to watch ad)
LaVine’s previous sneaker deal with Adidas was a four-year pact signed in 2017.
DePaula reported at the time that Nike had the ability to match the offer, but it waived its match clause that allowed LaVine to join Adidas.
When LaVine’s contract with Adidas expired before the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, he went back to wearing Nikes on the court in the preseason.
During All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, LaVine was sporting the New Balance TWO WXY during the Three-Point Contest and All-Star Game.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is currently the only NBA player with a signature shoe from New Balance. It’s unclear from this announcement if LaVine will be getting his own.
Other NBA players also in the New Balance family include Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Dejounte Murray of the San Antonio Spurs, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers.
LaVine was named to his second straight All-Star Game this season. The 27-year-old ranks second on the Bulls in scoring average (24.5 points per game) and is shooting 40.0 percent from three-point range.
The Bulls are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 42-30 record.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
