Kyrie Irving has ‘drawn the attention of Adidas, Puma and New Balance’ over a potential new sneaker deal after Nike terminated its partnership with the polarizing Nets star following his anti-Semitism controversy
- Kyrie Irving has reportedly attracted the interest of several sportswear giants
- New Balance, Adidas & Puma are said to have shown a level of interest in Irving
- The star’s partnership with longtime sponsor Nike ended in early December
- It came after Irving shared a link to a documentary, described as anti-Semitic
- Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com
Kyrie Irving could be in line for a new athletic partnership as he continues to star following his return from suspension.
According to a report, three of sports’ biggest brands – Adidas, Puma and New Balance – have reached out or expressed some level of interest in the new sneaker free agent.
The former Cavalier and Celtic was a longtime Nike athlete before the sports giant severed ties with the free-thinking 30-year-old in December following backlash to a link he posted of an Amazon documentary, which was described as anti-Semitic.
In a statement, Nike said it was ‘deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation’.
Related Post
Kyrie Irving is of intrigue to several high-profile sportswear brands, according to a new report
The brand also said it would not launch the Kyrie 8s – the shoe designed by the player and company – which were set to be released in November.
Now, Bally Sports’ Scoop B has suggested Adidas has reached out, while Irving is also said to have caught the eye of New Balance and Puma.
There is also said to be a wildcard in the mix as Irving appears to be looking for a deal with some level of creative control.
‘Kyrie Irving, last week, did draw the attention of New Balance as well as Puma and others,’ said Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson via a Bally Sports video.
Irving taped over a pair of Nike sneakers during Brooklyn’s recent narrow victory vs. Charlotte
‘I can tell you that last week, Irving and his representation did meet with independent sneaker owner SIA, and there’s no imminent decision on whether or not Irving and his team will sign with the company.
‘But I’m told everybody is paying attention to the Nets point guard. Everybody’s reached out, and that’s including, I’m told, Adidas and others.’
Dailymail.com has reached out to Adidas, Puma and New Balance, who have yet to return comment.
Irving began the game with the taped shoes before switching to blue Nike’s in the second half
Last Thursday, Irving taped over his Nike shoes with a message reading: ‘I AM FREE Thank you God … I AM.’ While the other side had a more simplistic and cheeky message; ‘logo here.’
Strangely, Irving changed his kicks at halftime in the win over Charlotte, but chose not to cover up the Nike logo on a ocean blue pair.
Irving first returned to the court on November 20 after an eight-game absence. Since then, he has averaged a respectable 24 points.
Brooklyn has gone 10-3 following Irving’s return and currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at 17-12.
Advertisement
