Warriors C DeMarcus Cousins has "signed a multiyear Puma offer sheet," giving the brand its "first established All-Star and All-NBA talent," according to sources cited by Nick DePaula of ESPN.com. Nike will "have 10 business days to match the multimillion-dollar contract because of its standard 'match clause.'" Adding Cousins would "provide Puma with a major-market star who plays for one of the league's most dominant teams." Unlike most players, Cousins "owns the rights to his logo," and will be "able to transition the 'DMC' badge onto his Puma shoes if he wants." Puma has had an "aggressive re-entry" to the basketball scene this year, signing top draft picks in Suns C Deandre Ayton and Kings F Marvin Bagley III and "promising rookies" like Knicks F Kevin Knox, Nuggets F Michael Porter Jr. and 76ers F Zhaire Smith. Puma has also signed veterans like Spurs F Rudy Gay and Celtics G Terry Rozier (ESPN.com, 10/4).
NEW WAVE: Rozier indicated that he felt Puma is "primed to make a big entry" into the market and "change its perception" among sneakerheads. Rozier told The Athletic's Jay King, "Puma's the new wave. You can get on the train or get lost." UPROXX' Ryan Nagelhout noted other companies are "certainly taking notice of Puma's push" (UPROXX.com, 10/4).
