James Harden is a free agent, but a different kind of free agent. Harden is a free agent on the sneaker market. The sneaker market is a separate market where star athletes make millions of dollars. James Harden is the biggest name on the sneaker market this offseason, and Adidas is ready to make Harden an even richer man.
According to ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell, Adidas has offered Houston Rockets star James Harden a 13 year contract worth $200 million. He signed a previous deal with Nike, but that contract just expired.
Adidas has also signed other NBA stars. Adidas has Andrew Wiggins, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, Joel Embiid, John Wall, Kenneth Faried, Mike Conley Jr, and Tim Duncan under contract. These are big names around the NBA, but Harden would instantly be the best player under Adidas if he signs the deal. James Harden would be a huge win for Adidas.
James Harden’s $200 million would go along with his $80 million extension he signed in 2012 with the Houston Rockets. At the end of the 2016-2017 season, Harden will be looking for another max level contract. With the cap rising, Harden’s next deal could exceed $140 million.
Rovell also noted that Adidas is the No. 3 selling apparel brand in the United States last season, falling behind Nike and Under Armour.
If Harden signs with Adidas, there is potential Adidas could rise to the top two. It will be tough, with Kevin Durant recently signed with Nike, and Steph Curry recently signed with Under Armour.
Adidas gives Harden the ability to be the face of the company. He would, for the first time in his career, start his own sneaker chain. With the Houston Rockets fame in other countries like China, Harden’s sneakers could go worldwide.
Nike has one week to match Adidas’ deal or they will lose him.
