Getty Image / Ron Jenkins
Kyrie Irving recently signed a big contract with the Dallas Mavericks with the goal of playing alongside Luka Doncic for the longterm.
Before that though, it’s been a rather bumpy ride for the star point guard.
He’s been at the center of controversy pretty much since COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. In the midst of it all, Irving lost all, or most, of his endorsement deals. Nike being the most notable.
But now, it appears Kyrie Irving is back in the action as he’s recently announced a new shoe deal.
According to Shams Charania, the Mavericks’ star “has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA.” On top of that, Charania reports that Irving is also a “Chief Creative Officer at the company.”
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA, plus the unique position of Chief Creative Officer at the company, industry sources told @TheAthletic @Stadium. Irving’s management company, A11Even, negotiated the deal. pic.twitter.com/HpJej7HU5X
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2023
That’s big news for Irving, as he was able to find a new shoe deal several months after Nike dropped him.
Meanwhile, the NBA world couldn’t help but react to this breaking news. Some are happy for him, while others have questions.
Due to the fact that the star point guard has been vocal about certain political topics, many find it odd that he chose to sign a deal with ANTA.
Good to see the guy who is so outspoken about injustice take a stand and sign with a Chinese brand 🔥🔥
— Tom Thibs real burner (@randomguy11233) July 12, 2023
Who else thought of this graphic when the news broke?
There’s no way this goes poorly pic.twitter.com/Tqiyq1i8vD
— RotoRadar (@RotoRadar) July 12, 2023
Kyrie Irving is too good at basketball to play in China. Let’s put these comments to bed, please.
Getting ready to play there?
— Savage (@SavageSports_) July 12, 2023
Plenty of people are upset that Nike still represents Ja Morant and not Kyrie Irving.
Reminder that Ja Morant still has a Nike deal and this man doesn’t
— Dylan Brett (@DBrettBrackets) July 12, 2023
And some are just excited for Kyrie Irving to have a shoe deal again.
🔥🔥🔥
— Watts (@visionarywatts) July 12, 2023
Whatever your opinion is of Irving, he was bound to sign a new endorsement deal at some point.
With that said, it’s unclear exactly when apparel will be made to the public, but this is something Irving clearly wanted.