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Ja Morant is getting his signature shoe.
Nike reportedly will be working with the Memphis Grizzlies' star point guard on a signature line of sneakers after dropping Kyrie Irving on Monday, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium:
Morant, 23, has emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young stars since being drafted No. 2 overall by Memphis in 2019. He's shown improvement every season and has been superb in the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 28.5 points, 7.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 37 percent from three.
He's also one of the most exciting and explosive players to watch in the NBA, with an impressive highlight reel of astonishing finishes in his young career.
That makes him highly marketable, so getting a signature shoe seemed like an inevitability. The end of Irving's relationship with Nike potentially accelerated the process.
Irving, 30, had one of Nike's most popular signature shoe lines over the years, but the company suspended him on Nov. 4 after he amplified an antisemitic film on social media. After Irving refused to denounce antisemitism and apologize for his actions on more than one occasion while speaking with reporters, Nike took action, and Irving was suspended as well by the Nets.
"At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism," the company said in a statement at the time. "We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone."
Irving is now a sneaker free agent, a fact he didn't seem to be lamenting on social media Monday:
It remains to be seen if Irving will land another shoe or apparel deal and whether his actions surrounding his promotion of the antisemitic film will affect his appeal for those companies.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo unveiled the design for his latest signature shoe, the Nike Zoom Freak 4, ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Antetokounmpo re-signed with Nike on a long-term contract extension in November 2017 after hearing pitches from other companies, including Adidas, Under Armour and Li-Ning.
In 2019, Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes noted the Greek Freak was earning $10 million annually from the sneaker deal.
Giannis also teamed with Nike and the card game UNO for a special collection in October.
"I want every product to be genuine and authentic, and playing UNO with my brothers is a big part of our lives," the 27-year-old forward said. "The Nike team has done a great job bringing my ideas to life, and I think they've created something for every Nike, UNO and basketball fan in this collection."
Between his off-court earnings and his salary from the five-year, $228.2 million contract with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo ranked 10th on Forbes' list of the highest-paid athletes in the world for 2022 with a total projected income of $80.9 million.
The 2013 first-round pick has developed into one of the best players of the generation while building a resume that includes a championship with the Bucks in 2021, two NBA MVP Awards and six consecutive All-Star selections.
Antetokounmpo will look to continue building that list of accolades next season, the second year of his contract with Milwaukee that potentially runs through 2025-26.
Nike is reportedly "unlikely to extend" its signature shoe contract with Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving following the 2022-23 NBA season.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported Nike is planning to release the final edition of its Kyrie edition shoes this fall but noted the future of the partnership, which began in 2014, is expected to "dramatically" change.
Irving caused a stir in July when he described the latest release of his signature shoe as "trash" and said he was no longer involved in the creative process:
He later issued a statement saying it was "unfair" to place the blame on Nike and work was being done "to make sure we get it right."
Wojnarowski and Shelburne reported that wasn't the only issue that led to Nike's decision, but it was a factor. The company wouldn't comment on its plans.
"We don't comment on contracts or rumors or speculation. Kyrie remains a Nike athlete," a spokesperson told ESPN.
Irving was limited to 29 appearances during the 2021-22 season because of his unvaccinated status. The Nets originally kept him sidelined until he was eligible to become a full-time player, but that changed in January as the team struggled with injuries and COVID-19 absences.
Upon his return, he was restricted to playing in road games because of New York City's vaccine mandate for large events, which was lifted in March.
That allowed Irving to become a full-time contributor in time for the playoffs, but the Nets were still swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
The seven-time All-Star holds a $36.9 million player option in his contract for next season. He would become a free agent if he declines it, but he's stated his desire to remain with Kevin Durant and Co.
If Irving simply plays out his option year, he could be looking at two key negotiations next year: his playing contract and his shoe deal.
Nike is releasing a new sneaker honoring Gigi Bryant, Kobe Bryant's daughter, on what would be her 16th birthday.
The Kobe 6 Protro "Mambacita Sweet 16" will be released on May 1, with profits benefiting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Gigi and Kobe Bryant were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020.
In April 2021, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow and Gigi's mother, told ESPN's Nick DePaula that she and Kobe's estate elected not to renew their partnership with Nike when it expired.
"Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe," she said. "It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband's product than any other signature shoe."
DePaula noted that Vanessa and Kobe's estate "had grown frustrated" with Nike over its limiting the availability of Kobe merchandise during his retirement and after his death, as well as the lack of Kobe footwear available in kids' sizes.
The report also notes Nike presented a contract extension offer that "was not in line with expectations of an ongoing 'lifetime' structure similar to the Nike Inc. contracts held by both Michael Jordan and LeBron James."
Vanessa then announced last month that the estate agreed to terms on a new deal with Nike. She also said that the agreement calls for the company to donate 100 percent of the net proceeds to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
According to DePaula, approximately 20 percent of NBA players have worn a Kobe sneaker by Nike for at least one game since his death.
Vanessa is also working with Nike to establish a new youth basketball center in Southern California "that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come."
Kobe Bryant originally signed with Nike in 2003 after being with Adidas for six years.
Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis discussed the legacy of Virgil Abloh when asked about him in their postgame press conference Sunday (at the 6:17 mark):
Abloh died Sunday at the age of 41 after suffering from cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was the founder of Off-White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton who often collaborated with Nike and Jordan Brand.
TMZ noted Abloh was the first Black man to run Louis Vuitton.
"I think for a Black community to see someone like that," LeBron said, "for our younger generation and the kids that look up to guys like all of us, to see a guy like Virgil break the barrier to be able to go from where he started to being able to work for Louis Vuitton and Nike and all these unbelievable companies as a Black man, it just does so much for our youth."
Both James and Davis said they wore Abloh's products Sunday as the Lakers earned a 110-106 win over the Detroit Pistons.
LVMH announced Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh died Sunday at the age of 41.
"We are all shocked after this terrible news," the announcement from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault read. "Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend."
The announcement also noted Abloh had cancer for the past several years.
Off-White collaborated with Nike a number of times under Abloh's direction, including with the Jordan Brand. He also partnered with Nike and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to renovate a local basketball court.
Abloh was raised in Illinois and also partnered with Nike to help create the NikeLab Chicago Re-Creation Center to help give back to the community and provide more opportunities for children to participate in sports and other activities.
TMZ described Abloh as a "revolutionary designer" and noted he was the first Black man to hold the position of Louis Vuitton artistic director.
Abloh's personal Instagram account also released a statement on his death, explaining he "valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019."
Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon, their two children, his sister and his parents.
Salehe Bembury has joined UNINTERRUPTED as an in-residence creative director to lead the brand's apparel line. Bembury has designed for Kanye West, Versace, New Balance and Crocs, among others and he sat down with B/R Kicks for a Q&A:
1. How does it feel to be joining LeBron James and the UNINTERRUPTED team?
Frankly, it's an honor. LeBron and the UNINTERRUPTED brand have established an ethos of execution. Whether in sports, business, or storytelling, they sit on a plane all on their own. There is an opportunity to evolve their consumer products in a way they haven't tapped yet, and I'm excited to develop that with them. I have spent the last 15 years studying design and how it can be used to problem-solve. UNINTERRUPTED has nearly a decade of heritage, accomplishments and empowerment moments that will be used as ingredients to inform the product creation process. [SpringHill's CEO] Maverick [Carter] has essentially escorted me into a kitchen, laid out all of the best ingredients, and asked me to make a dish. There is no better circumstance that a designer could ask for. Many brands invest capital in fabricating a brand heritage, but UNINTERRUPTED's almost decade-long resume will act as the catalyst for the product we bring into fruition. Additionally, having the UNINTERRUPTED team as a resource to this endeavor will make the ride that much smoother.
2. How is this opportunity different from other partnerships during your career?
I actually don't think it's different. While all design problems are different, I approach them the same. If there is a design problem, you research, find your insight, and execute. So whether I am designing for Payless, Versace or UNINTERRUPTED, the design approach will not sway. I try to prioritize experience in my design execution. The feeling of the first time you see a product on your phone to the first time you feel it in your hand is essential. I've learned that "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" [as said by Maya Angelou]. With UNINTERRUPTED, we intend to create product that leaves the audience with a "feeling."
3. What are your thoughts on the current collaboration market, and how do you make sure your approach is distinct and successful?
I enjoy having a conversation of product with a consumer that appreciates thoughtful design. It's that feeling when you reach into a new jacket and there's a pocket exactly where you wanted it to be. While Steve Jobs once said the consumer doesn't know what they want until you show it to them, I further believe the consumer does know what they want. They just haven't been offered it. I am excited to work with the UNINTERRUPTED team, LeBron, Mav, and [SpringHill's CMO] Paul Rivera to explore the potential of what we can accomplish as a team within this evolutionary chapter in their product line.
LeBron James has the Tune Squad. Steph Curry has Sesame Street.
The Golden State Warriors guard is set to drop Sesame Street apparel as part of his Under Armour Curry Flow 9 shoe, the company announced Friday.
"Curry Brand and Sesame Street, we preach the same message," Curry said in a statement. "It's about supporting all kids, especially those in underserved communities who are looking for an opportunity to be their best selves."
The "Street Pack" includes seven colorways inspired by Sesame Street characters, along with shirts and other items set to hit the shelves this year. The "Count It" and "Play Big" colorways, which were inspired by Count von Count and Big Bird, respectively, are set to drop Nov. 19 as the first release of the series.
Oscar The Grouch and Cookie Monster were also mentioned as receiving their own colorways, with release dates yet to be set for those.
“We love the way the Curry Brand promotes healthy, active lifestyles, and teamwork,” said Gabriela Arenas, vice president of global licensing at Sesame Workshop. “It’s been so much fun combining Curry Brand’s commitment to play and Under Armour’s innovation technology with Sesame Street’s iconic characters in this vibrant and playful collaboration with multigenerational appeal.”
Curry and his wife, Ayesha, previously made their Sesame Street debuts earlier this year. The iconic television series has been ongoing since 1969.
Puma released the first look at LaMelo Ball's signature MB.01 shoe Tuesday, along with setting a December 2021 release date.
The MB.01s are Puma's first signature shoe since relaunching its basketball brand in 2018.
“PUMA makes me feel like I am truly part of the fam, incorporating my fresh ideas when it comes to style. I enjoyed being a part of the MB.01 design process, sharing input from bright color choices to the addition of personal details like the rocket flames that match my ankle tattoo," Ball said of the shoe.
The design of the shoe includes the aforementioned rocket flames down the ankle collar, along with the phrase “Not From Here” on the tongue. Puma also included the word "rare," which it says describes Ball's talent on the floor.
The youngest of LaVar Ball's three sons, LaMelo earned Rookie of the Year honors with averages of 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds.
