Top 5 NBA players who have had major deals with Nike

#3 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant #7 of Team United States is one of Nike's top athletes.

Kevin Durant is arguably the most efficient scorer in the NBA since Michael Jordan. Although the Brooklyn Nets star is well-known in the league for his scoring prowess, he is a villain on social media.

Regardless, he signed one of the most lucrative shoe deals with Nike. Durant opted to sign with Nike after the 2007 NBA draft after turning down a considerably larger offer from Adidas.

The future NBA Hall of Famer signed a $300 million deal with Nike in 2014 that had him earning $26 million a year. His deal also includes a $50 million retirement package.

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#2 Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is one of the best NBA players to sign with Nike

No other NBA player has sold more shoes than Kobe Bryant after switching companies mid-way through their careers. The LA Lakers legend initially signed with Addidas before switching to Nike in 2003.

After a successful career on the court and in terms of sales for the shoe giants, Kobe retired in 2016. However, both parties agreed to a five-year extension that will continue production and the sale of his shoe line even in retirement.

Unfortunately, his tragic death put an end to what could have led to a lifetime partnership. His five-year extension ended in April 2021, and there has been no news of a new contract.

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#1 LeBron James

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James, to many, is the NBA's greatest player. It is a no-brainer that he will be the athlete with the biggest shoe deal in the NBA.

Of all active NBA players, LeBron James sells the most shoes. He was poached by all the major shoe brands - Nike, Adidas, and Reebok - but chose Nike despite Reebok offering more money.

In the long run, his decision to partner with Nike turned out great as he recently signed a lifetime deal that is reportedly up to the tune of $1 billion. He currently earns $32 million every year but his shoes need to continue selling at a high rate for him to reach the $1 billion mark.

LeBron is one of three athletes in all sports to sign a lifetime deal with Nike. Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only other two that have lifetime deals.