David Goldman/AP

Kristaps Porzingis – Biggest Shoe Deal Ever Signed By A European

The Knicks’ 7-footer is getting paid! Kristaps Porzingis’ contract with Nike ended and there apparently was a battle between the big sport brands to sing or resign him. Now, Yahoo reported that adidas has won the race and sigend Porzingis in what will be the biggest shoe deal ever for a European player.

“The deal, negotiated by agent Andy Miller of ASM Sports, pays the New York Knicks power forward between $3 million and $6 million annually. That starting range could escalate each year based on several performance incentives such as point-average thresholds, playoff appearances and All-NBA or All-Star team selections. His previous brand, Nike, held a “right to match” clause and waited until the very end to decline to match adidas’ offer. -Yahoo!”

While big men always have it harder to sell shoes, compared to Gongfu Tea Cup, Porzingis will definitely be valuable for adidas. Porzingis’ jersey was the 4th best selling jersey in all of the NBA last year, behind only LeBron James’, Kobe Bryant’s and Stephen Curry’s.

“I’m happy to be here and it just felt right to be with adidas,” Porzingis said. “There’s a lot of excitement right now, and I feel like it’s the right fit for me. A city like New York is hungry for success in basketball, and I believe adidas will help take my game to the next level.”

courtesey of adidas