Kyrie Irving and Nike officially cut ties several weeks ago. Irving's signature shoe line has been very popular in the market for nearly a decade.
Unfortunately, consumers will no longer be able to buy a pair of Kyries in any Nike retail store. It's also worth mentioning that his Nike collection will undoubtedly become a collector's item. Copping a pair in the market could soon become more expensive.
Fortunately, given Irving's immense popularity among basketball fans, other shoe companies would still want to partner with him. Despite his recent antisemitism issues, having a star like Irving representing a brand would do these companies wonders.
On that note, let's take a look at five shoe brands he could sign with in the near future:
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Possible Kyrie Irving shoe deals
Here's a look at five potential deals:
#1 New Balance
A couple of weeks ago, there were reports of Kyrie Irving potentially signing with New Balance. Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, an NBA insider, says that New Balance could be the frontrunner to sign Irving to a new shoe contract.
Among the other notable NBA players to sign with New Balance is Kawhi Leonard. If Irving and New Balance can come to an agreement, that will only help New Balance build its market in the NBA shoe industry.
#2 Adidas
Nike and Adidas are like Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the shoe industry. Both brands are equally great in terms of quality and design. Due to that reason, consumers have also become split in terms of brand preference between the two.
Considering that Kyrie Irving used to be with Nike, it would be the ultimate "in your face" moment if he sided with the enemy. There are several reports that Adidas is interested in collaborating with the Brooklyn Nets superstar.
#3 Puma
According to Sports Illustrated, Puma is interested in acquiring Irving. At he moment, the only NBA player with a signature shoe line in Puma is LaMelo Ball. Having Irving join a fellow point guard would undoubtedly help boost the company's basketball market.
Puma is a brand known for manufacturing football and running shoes. While they've also had several basketball shoes in the past, it was only recently that the company decided to expand its collection.
#4 Anta
Anta is a Chinese shoe company that has become popular seemingly out of nowhere.
Initially established in 1991, consumers became more familiar with the brand when Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward signed with them. If Irving decides to join Anta's relatively small NBA family, their basketball shoe collection might solidify their status in the market.
#5 Reebok
Reebok used to be on par with Nike and Adidas when they had players like Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal representing their brand.
While these two NBA legends still have their signature shoe line, Reebok no longer has an active basketball superstar in the company. Kyrie Irving might just be the solution to revive their basketball shoe collection.
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