After making its mark with the 2018 rookie class, Puma has landed one of the top rookies from 2019.
According to ESPN's Nick DePaula, New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with the brand.
OFFICIAL: RJ Barrett has signed a multi-year shoe deal with PUMA.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 28, 2019
More to come live from New York on 31st Street at 4:30 PM... pic.twitter.com/0INe0BPolV
Puma is one of the brands that the 19-year-old was seen wearing at the 2019 MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, and he again opted for Pumas at this year's rookie photoshoot in New Jersey.
With Barrett's signing, we now know which sneaker brand that each of the top three draft picks from 2019 will be donning this upcoming season: New Orleans Pelicans No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson will be wearing Jordan Brand while Memphis Grizzlies No. 2 pick Ja Morant will be wearing Nike.
Barrett joins an ever-growing list of athletes that are endorsed by Puma. Among them are his Knicks teammate Kevin Knox, 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, 2018 No. 3 overall pick Marvin Bagley, Denver Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr., Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier, San Antonio Spurs veteran forward Rudy Gay, as well as DeMarcus Cousins and Danny Green of the Los Angeles Lakers.
#PUMAFAM pic.twitter.com/QD7I6bFCmj
— PUMA (@PUMA) July 10, 2019
From a historical standpoint, the connection between the brand and the Knicks franchise runs deep. Decades before Knox and Barrett were born, Hall of Famer Clyde Frazier would play in his signature Puma "Clyde" sneakers as he suited up for some of the best Knicks squads in franchise history.
Puma returned to the basketball market last season, with its first release being an updated Puma Clyde Court shoe.
Whether or not Barrett will receive a signature shoe of his own remains to be seen, but the Canadian has already emerged as one of the biggest faces of Puma Hoops.
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