Anta Signs Celtics' Gordon Hayward To Four-Year Shoe Deal

NBA Boston Celtics player Gordon Hayward "agreed to a 4-year footwear & apparel offer sheet" with Chinese apparel brand Anta, according to ESPN's Nick DePaula. The shoe deal "includes a signature apparel collection and marketing throughout Asia and the U.S." Nike has 10 business days to exercise its "match clause" with Hayward (TWITTER, 9/26). ESPN’s Rachel Nichols reported Anta landing Hayward is an "upset” over more mainstream sneaker brands. There was "some thought New Balance was going to get involved," as it is the "new sponsor of the Celtics facility.” ESPN’s Stephen Jackson: "I'm not surprised. Guys are wearing different shoes and it's all about getting that money, so get to it." He added, "You can get insoles to put in the shoes so it don't matter about the shoes" ("The Jump," ESPN, 9/26). Anta's endorser roster also includes the Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson, L.A. Lakers' Rajon Rondo and former player Kevin Garnett (THE DAILY).