Lauri Markkanen of the Chicago Bulls was the first to divulge the news on Twitter, earlier today.
Markannen’s tweet reads, “1st pair of basketball shoes I can remember wearing were @Nike, & today I’m excited to officially join the Nike fam!”.
Unfortunately, Nike has not released the terms of the deal.
Markkanen is one of eight 2017 NBA draftees to join Nike. In a news release, the sportswear brand referred to them as “the next generation” of Nike Basketball.
The seven other NBA draftees for the year are Philadelphia’s 76ers Markelle Fultz, Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox and Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets’ Malik Monk, Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo, and Jonathan Isaac from the Orlando Magic.
The news is especially exciting since the sportswear and sneaker giant will take over the NBA’s apparel and merchandising next season.
Previous basketball athletes to join Nike include Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., and the most noteworthy signee, LeBron James who managed to score a lifetime deal with Nike.
Consequently, all three athletes have released their own pair of sneakers with Nike.
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