Kyrie Irving is officially a sneaker free-agent; Which shoe brand is he likely signing a new deal?

Nike and Kyrie part ways

After his partnership with Nike was suspended due to the controversial antisemitic incident a few weeks back, Nike officially parted ways with Kyrie Irving. According to a tweet by NBA insider, Shams Charania, Kyrie is no longer affiliated with the popular sneaker brand.

It’s shocking that Nike decided to axe Uncle Drew despite his shoes being one of the highest in sales, worldwide. Now, Kyrie is a sneaker free-agent which means he can continue his sneaker journey elsewhere. But, where is he most likely to sign a new shoe brand now that Nike is out of the equation?


PUMA

Puma may not have the best basketball shoe collection but this could be the perfect brand for Kyrie. It was only in 2018 when Puma relaunched in the NBA and their most notable basketball player today is the 2021 Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball.

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Puma

They are yet to come back as a powerhouse shoe line after the botched deal with Vince Carter in 1998. It’s going to be both beneficial for Puma and Kyrie since Puma can increase its popularity and Kyrie can have a fresh new start. The German sneaker brand is better known for other sports and has partnered with superstar athletes like Neymar, Usain Bolt, and Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton.


UNDER ARMOUR

The American shoe and sportswear manufacturer, Under Armour, currently has two signature basketball superstars in their hands namely Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry. The greatest shooter of all time has just created a sub-label called the Curry Brand which would boost Under Armour’s stocks.

Under Armour

However, Americans consider UA as more of a gear fit for baseball or football. Despite the backlash, these shoes have proven to be fine, tech-wise. With the benefits of Kyrie’s popularity and stardom, Under Armour could reach elite shoe brand status just like Nike and Adidas are today.

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ADIDAS

When you hear Adidas as a basketball brand, what immediately comes to mind are the names of James Harden, Derrick Rose, and Damian Lillard.

Adidas

Unfortunately, Adidas seems to be the least possible destination for Kyrie. All of these players (including Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell) are all-star guards. Although Kyrie is an exceptional player and a future Hall-of-Famer, it seems like a not-so-good fit.


UNPOPULAR OPINION: CREATING HIS OWN BRAND

Knowing Kyrie Irving’s predicament, it wouldn’t be surprising if one day, he decides to make his own brand. Well, he’s already got the money and the name to back it up. It just needs all that legal branding and marketing stuff to make this thing come true.

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Photo Courtesy of thealike.com

Just this year, the Kyrie 8 is included in most top 5 and top 10 best shoes of 2022. It also has one of the highest sales in Nike.


Are you excited about Kyrie’s future shoe deal? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.

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