Adidas is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of sportswear. The corporation is also known for signing partnerships with numerous athletes, including NBA players. Adidas is one of the main rivals to Nike when it comes to basketball shoes in the NBA.

What NBA Players are signed with Adidas? Adidas has a partnership with more than 50 NBA players. If we take into consideration the players who retired, we will get an increased amount of athletes. Normally NBA players sign long-term contracts with Adidas, while the latter in its turns begins sponsorship activities.

Compared to other sports basketball is considered one of the main priorities of Adidas. Let’s have a look at how everything started and talk about the players that are involved in a partnership with the sportswear manufacturer.

When did everything start?

The NBA and Adidas signed the partnership deal back in 2006 in London when David Stern was the commissioner of the world’s most popular league. The value of the deal exceeded $400 million and it was deemed to be an 11-year partnership, making Adidas the league’s uniform and apparel supplier. However, in 2015 Adidas declared, that it would not continue the partnership with the NBA, after the expiration of the contract in 2017.

Talking about a player who first signed with Adidas is subject to a debate, but if we delve deeper into the past, legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered a pioneer to endorse Adidas. Then a large number of players followed, but Jabbar can be called the one that actually started the trend with Adidas.

Famous NBA players in partnership with Adidas

As has already been mentioned above there are more than 50 players who have a partnership with Adidas. Let’s have a look at some of the prominent players and how their deals look.

James Harden

2018 NBA regular-season MVP and 9x All-Star James Harden is one of the major faces of Adidas. In 2015 Brooklyn Nets shooting guard signed a $200 million deal with Adidas that will continue for 13 years. This was one of the most notable partnerships in recent years. Considering Harden’s success and performance, Adidas has an incredible player as a “partner”.

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard started a partnership with Adidas in 2012, and, in 2014 renewed a new deal worth $100 million over 10 years. Lillard also has a signature shoe with Adidas known as “Adidas Dame”. 6x All-Star guard is one of the most dominant players currently in the NBA, but going further in the playoffs still remains an impossible task for him.

John Wall

Houston Rockets guard John Wall first signed a partnership deal with Reebok and in 2013 moved to Adidas, which is Reebok’s parent company. In 2018, Wall announced signing a new 5-year contract with the corporation and according to ESPN, Adidas plans to offer the 5x All-Star player a new 8-year deal worth $66 million, which is difficult to ignore. However, both Wall and the Houston Rockets struggled in the 2020/2021 season and the departure of James Harden brought a huge blow to the team.

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose came to the NBA in 2008 and took everything by storm in 2011 when he became MVP of the regular season. Unfortunately, injuries hindered the development of Rose, who found it difficult to regain the previous form. After the MVP season, Adidas signed a 14-year deal with him worth $185 million. And it is not over yet – in addition, Rose got access to numerous advantages including a private jet and donations.

Donovan Mitchell

Utah Jazz point guard Donovan Mitchell is without a doubt the league’s one of the best players. He has already impressed in the playoffs and continues to shine in every game. In 2017 he signed a multi-year contract with Adidas and accordingly he will earn between $5-15 million dollars per year. Interestingly the same day he announced a partnership with Adidas, he scored 37 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in the Summer League.

Justise Winslow

The 10th pick of the 2015 NBA draft and a versatile player Justise Winslow is also teamed up with Adidas. In 2015 the player signed a multi-year deal, joining the ranks of the world’s largest sportswear manufacturer. According to the deal, Winslow will take part in different initiatives and events.

Zach Lavine

2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion and 2021 NBA All-Star Zach Lavine is also in a partnership deal with Adidas, that was announced back in 2017 when the player agreed to a 4-year deal potentially worth $35 million. The deal expires this year and likely he will continue collaboration with Adidas.

Kristaps Porzingis

The Latvian basketball player has the richest deal for a European player with Adidas. The multi-year deal which was agreed in 2016 will earn Porzingis $3 to $6 million annually. It should be noted that Porzingis’ previous endorser was Nike.

Kevin Garnett

One of the best power forwards of all time alongside Tim Duncan has been retired for 5 years, but his deal is something worth mentioning. Back in 2003, Garnett signed a lifetime deal with Adidas, that would earn him $2 million annually. There is an interesting point that if he helps to sell the product, the deal is subject to change and extension.

Honourable Mentions

Out of many players, it is very difficult to choose only a few of them and we should definitely mention the other ones. Players who have had partnerships with Adidas include Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Brandon Knight, Iman Shumpert, Nick Young, Andrew Wiggins. Adidas tries to attract as many players as possible to increase brand exposure. Meanwhile, NBA players also get numerous benefits in terms of finances and popularity. They are eligible to take part in various events and innovations.