Ja Morant is the first soon-to-be rookie of the 2019 class to sign a shoe deal. The Murray State standout point guard inked a multiyear deal with Nike Monday morning.
Ja Morant Signs with Nike
The specific details of the contract have not been announced, but news of the deal was broken by Shams Charania of The Athletic and then confirmed by Morant himself.
All my life my parents worked for a check. Now I’m proud to say I work for the check. #Nike #NikeBasketball pic.twitter.com/b1mTTJLySr
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) May 27, 2019
Morant is one of the most electric players available in the upcoming NBA Draft. His unwavering competitiveness combined with his do-it-all skill set led Murray State to a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2019. He has the potential to become one of the best prospects of his class. Comparisons to Russell Westbrook have been plentiful in during the pre-draft process.
Morant is not expected to be the top selection in the 2019 NBA Draft because he shares the class with Duke superstar Zion Williamson. However, all signs point to the Memphis Grizzlies selecting him with the second pick on June 20th.
Though signing with Nike seems like a no-brainer, Morant’s decision actually contradicts last year’s trend of signing with Puma, of all companies. A year ago, top prospects DeAndre Ayton (first-overall pick in 2018), Marvin Bagley III (second) and Michael Porter Jr. (14th) all signed with Puma, turning down deals with Nike and Adidas along the way.
Rookie breakout Trae Young and Spurs shooting guard (and hair aficionado) Lonnie Walker IV inked deals with Adidas before their rookie campaigns.
Nike has long been the frontrunner to sign Williamson, despite the exploding shoe incident that sidelined the Duke Forward for several weeks. Negotiations are ongoing between Williamson and his suitors.
Morant joins some of the biggest names in the league in donning the famous Nike swoosh. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and more have signature kicks with the shoe giant.
The future is bright for Morant. This Nike deal is the first of many professional contracts for the young star.
Main Photo:
