Celtics G Marcus Smart "officially announced his signing" with Puma on Thursday in a "funny roll-out video," according to Tom Westerholm of the Springfield REPUBLICAN. Smart had not "officially admitted to a partnership" with Puma, despite wearing the brand's "sneakers, slides and hoodies everywhere around the practice facility" in recent weeks. Several Puma reps were "in attendance" at the Celtics-76ers game on Wednesday (Springfield REPUBLICAN, 10/25). NESN.com's Marcus Kwesi O'Mard noted Smart made the move to Puma "following the expiration of his endorsement deal with Adidas" (NESN.com, 10/24). SI.com's Jarrel Harris noted Smart joins Puma's growing list of other endorsers including Lakers F Kyle Kuzma, Knicks rookie F RJ Barrett, Hornets G Terry Rozier and "many others" (SI.com, 10/24).
NEW PLAYER IN THE SPACE: The Athletic's Shams Charania cited sources as saying that Spurs G Dejounte Murray has "signed a multi-million dollar shoe endorsement deal with New Balance" (TWITTER.com, 10/21). FORBES' Rob Wolkenbrod noted Murray joins Clippers F Kawhi Leonard as one of the "early faces" of New Balance's "latest foray into basketball." Adding Murray "raises the profile of New Balance's return to basketball, and it could help expand the brand down the road" (FORBES.com, 10/23).
ENJOYING HIS FREEDOM: ESPN.com's Nick DePaula noted Rockets F PJ Tucker is "one of the most sought-after free agents among sneaker brands" after his "previous endorsement deal with Nike expired" on Oct. 1. Tucker's profile "wouldn't normally lend itself to a sneaker bidding war," as he "doesn't have the high profile" of LeBron James or Stephen Curry. However, inside the sneaker community, he is "every bit their equal, and in some ways has surpassed them." Tucker has "met with Nike about continuing their relationship," but he also has had "discussions with multiple other brands" (ESPN.com, 10/24).
