Cleveland Cavaliers point guard and 2022 All-Star Darius Garland has signed an ambassador deal with New Balance. The contract was announced Wednesday and sees Garland join an NBA roster that also includes Jamal Murray, Kawhi Leonard, Cameron Brink, Tyrese Maxey, Zach Lavine and Dejounte Murray.
“It is a dream to become a part of the New Balance brand,” Garland said in a press release. “New Balance is a family brand and it felt that way from the first conversation. The brand’s commitment to individuality and their respect for athletes to be themselves is something I deeply respect.”
As of Wednesday, Garland is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists per game on the 2023-2024 season, with the Cavaliers sitting at third in the Central Division with a record of 10 wins and 8 losses. For the 2021-2022 season, Garland averaged career highs of 21.7 points and 8.6 assists while being named to his first NBA All-Star game. The former Vanderbilt player was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Darius on board,” Naveen Lokesh, head of Basketball Sports Marketing for New Balance, said in a release. “Darius embodies the independent spirit of New Balance. His commitment to mastering the game, while also giving back to his community, is incredibly impressive. Darius is driven to succeed his way, and that is something we value at New Balance.”
Garland has been wearing the New Balance Two WXY v4 for the current season, a model that debuted in September and is also worn by Denver Nuggets star Murray.
Klutch Athletics, a brand “co-authored” by New Balance and power agent Rich Paul, recently signed University of Kentucky guard Justin Edwards to a name, image, and likeness deal.
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
