James Harden And The $200 Million Deal

[by Nikhil B]

James Harden, Houston Rockets Guard, has reported that he will sign a deal with Adidas for a mammoth $200 million over a 12-year contract. 25-year-old Harden’s earlier contract with Nike is on the verge of expiration in the coming weeks. If Nike isn’t able to beat Adidas’s offer, Harden is deciding to go with Adidas.  

The contract, if signed by Harden, will enable him to earn more than his NBA contract of $80 million with the Rockets. Harden may not have a flashy game, but he is well on his way to joining the elites in the NBA.

“We’ve invited James Harden to join Adidas,” said Adidas spokesman Michael Ehrlich in a statement. “We’re a brand of creators and he truly embodies what that means with his approach to the game, his look and his style on and off the court. Chris Grancio, Global Basketball GM, Adidas referred to Harden as “The Game Changer.” 

Harden will join the likes of John Wall, Damian Lillard and Derrick Rose in the contract with Adidas. In the last few years, Adidas has been on the sidelines of the basketball kicks business. Last year Under Armour beat Adidas to become the second most bought basketball shoe as they signed last year’s MVP Stephen Curry. Nike and its Jordan extension make up to 95% of the basketball shoe world, where Adidas has had a mere 5% for the past years.

Harden’s jersey was subject to a huge burst of popularity during last year’s NBA Season. It’s been sold more than those of the all-stars Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Signing Harden could be a huge leap for Adidas in the basketball world. Just on the sidelines of reaching his prime, Harden is one of the best players Adidas can pick up as Harden’s contract with Nike comes to an end.