Companies such as Nike and New Balance interested in the shoe free agent were beginning to back off, per sourcesGetty Images
Celtics G Jaylen Brown has "a lot at stake" when it comes to his brand, and “made the right decision” to leave Kanye West's Donda Sports after initially remaining following West's antisemitic comments, according to Gary Washburn of the BOSTON GLOBE. NBA sources said that companies such as Nike and New Balance who were interested in Brown, a shoe free agent, were “beginning to back off negotiations because of Brown’s affiliation with West.” Washburn noted Brown is “not clamoring for a new shoe deal,” as he has “been a free agent for months since breaking ties with Adidas." He has been “wearing a variety of Kobe Bryant Nikes as a tribute to the late Lakers star but has yet to commit to a company.” However, Brown is “very aware of his off-court marketing opportunities,” as well as his "crusade to provide better educational opportunities to underrepresented communities.” The affiliation with West was “already damaging those endeavors,” but Brown also felt he “needed time to reflect on his friendship with West and didn’t want to appear he was deserting the troubled rapper in his time of need.” The next goal for Brown “should be to create his own marketing firm and also create more educational opportunities.” Brown also wants to "concentrate on basketball,” and the West issue was “becoming a distraction” (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/29).
