Kyrie Irving’s controversies have been a hot topic in the NBA world in the last few months. For some context, the superstar promoted a movie that contained anti-Semitic views. This led Kyrie to receive some major backlash, and eventually a suspension from the league as well.
That was not all. The former NBA champ also faced termination of the contract with Nike and reportedly lost a staggering $11 million in the process. The company released a statement saying, “Kyrie is no longer a Nike athlete,” as per ESPN.
This was one of the most significant losses that Kyrie had witnessed in his NBA career. Kyrie made his return to the league, but Nike was sure not to sign him again, despite his public apology.
“I just want to apologize deeply for all my actions”
Kyrie Irving says he’s not antisemitic in exclusive interview with SNY’s @IanBegley, and expresses remorse for the hurt his social media post caused. https://t.co/qWq6boO7QR
FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/rSmg2tmxof pic.twitter.com/qYdmaXe1Ae
— SNY (@SNYtv) November 19, 2022
Since then, the status of Irving‘s signature brand has been in question. This isn’t a huge surprise considering the impact his brand had on the basketball world as a whole in the past.
Kyrie Irving teases signature shoe deal but refuses to reveal mystery brand
The Dallas Mavericks star recently spoke about the situation. He said, “Be on the lookout for some new updates and some new announcements coming soon. I’m really excited, I will be signing my new shoe deal, very very soon. I won’t even call it a shoe deal, I’m about to blow this stuff out of the water. I’m so excited about it.”
Kyrie Irving revealed on IG Live that he will be signing a new sneaker deal “very, very soon.” 👀
Where do you think Kyrie will sign? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LkDqg3fFM0
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) May 25, 2023
He mentions that it isn’t exactly a shoe deal, which left NBA fans scratching their heads. A user even asked, “His own brand?” There aren’t many athletes to own a brand in the current day, and Kyrie will be the first to do so if that comes true in the future.
“Not a shoe deal”?
His own brand???— Gebryan Dwivandrio (@gebryanvndr) May 25, 2023
I bet new balance
— Jaytranada (@JasonStolar) May 25, 2023
Adidas baby 😎😎
— D E A D A S S (@Smpiche) May 25, 2023
Some discovered the options that Kyrie could go for. Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok have been the names that have been on fans’ lips, but there might be a winner. Recently, the three stripes were rumored to set sights on Kyrie. The Mavs guard’s signature line’s success has lured Nike’s rivals, it seems.
Nike signed Ja Morant to a signature deal, who was dubbed Kyrie’s replacement as well. However, that has gone down the drain after the Memphis Grizzlies star has been landing in hot water more often than others, leaving all the concerned parties in a pickle.
