Knicks F Kristaps Porzingis has "signed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal with adidas," according to sources cited by Nick DePaula of THE VERTICAL. The deal will pay Porzingis between $3-6M annually, "depending on incentive bonuses met." The deal is the "most lucrative shoe deal signed by a European player to date." Sources said that Porzingis' previous sponsor, Nike, "has until mid-October to match the exact terms of the adidas contract because of the brand's standard 'right to match' clause, but Nike is not expected to match the deal." Porzingis in '12 "signed a four-year deal with Nike" that paid him $25,000 per year. Nike, adidas and Under Armour each "expressed strong interest in a long-term deal, while several Chinese-based brands also made an effort to pitch Porzingis" and his agent, Andy Miller of ASM Sports. However, the negotiations down the stretch "narrowed to just Nike and adidas." The deal will place Porzingis "in an endorsement earnings tier similar" to Clippers F Blake Griffin, Thunder G Russell Westbrook and Pacers F Paul George. DePaula noted adidas has committed to make Porzingis a "featured player in its advertising going forward and will also eventually release his game shoes at retail stores" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/5).
