Reported Money Zion Williamson Turned Down for Jordan Shoe Deal Revealed
By Aaron Halford
Former Duke Blue Devil and No. 1 pick Zion Williamson shocked the NBA world on Tuesday when he announced his shoe contract with Jordan brand via Instagram.
Zion's 5-year, $75 million is the richest annual rookie shoe deal in NBA history, but were there bigger offers for the 19-year-old's services?
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Pelicans forward received offers from multiple shoe companies "well into the nine-figure range".
ESPN's Nick DePaula reports that PUMA offered Williamson a deal worth $15 million annually, with as much as $3 million in bonus incentives each year. He also reported that Adidas surprisingly didn't even present an offer to Williamson, despite Zion often seen sporting their products.
LeBron James unsurprisingly held the record for the largest rookie shoe deal when he signed with Nike in 2003 for seven years at around $90 million.
ESPN Sources: The endorsement agreement aligning No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and Jordan Brand extends five years and becomes the richest annual rookie shoe deal in NBA history. Story: https://t.co/uQx8EdT0ur
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2019
Critics and fans across the league scoffed at Williamson's decision to choose Jordan after they had a questionable run with Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony.
No matter which company Williamson chose, his on-court play will speak louder than anything else. And now with the richest rookie shoe deal in history, he can put all his focus on finding success in New Orleans.