Ja Morant is expected to replace Kyrie Irving as the latest NBA athlete with a signature Nike deal
As expected, Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving is no longer affiliated with Nike.
Meanwhile, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant is expected to soon receive a signature sneaker deal with the shoe company. This was a deal that the parties have been reportedly working on for “several months” so the timing likely has little to do with Irving’s exit.
Still, however, Morant will have big shoes to fill with Irving out of the picture at Nike. Irving’s signature sneaker was the second-most popular shoe worn by NBA players last season. per BallerShoesDB.com.
Damichael Cole wrote about what a possible timeline could look like for Morant before his sneaker hits the shelves (via Commercial Appeal):
“Matthew Kish, a sportswear reporter for Business Insider, noted that the athletic shoe development is usually a nine- to 18-month process. Morant visited the Nike headquarters this past summer in Oregon.
Along with a potential shoe, apparel, logos and a marketing campaign are some of the concepts that must be nailed down before a release.”
Morant’s sneaker is expected to officially debut in Summer 2023.
According to Weartesters, Morant has worn the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, Nike Kyrie 1, Nike Kobe 11, Nike Kobe 9 EM, Nike Kobe 8, and Nike KD 10 so far in 2023-23.
Devin Booker will also have his debut signature shoe in Fall 2023.