Kyrie Irving and Nike went their separate ways this past week after a series of controversies caused an irreparable rift between both sides.
Nike, for what it’s worth, seems to already have its next big star all lined up.
Irving, meanwhile, is excited about the prospect of working with someone new.
Naturally, given the cast of characters involved and their propensity of evoking intrigue, over the past few days fans speculated about what Irving’s next move might be.
According to Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Puma is a name to watch when Irving is deciding on his post-Nike future.
Puma fixture on shoe company’s interest in sneaker free agent Kyrie Irving: “I’d be interested in what he would be looking for or likes the freedom to do his own thing.” https://t.co/QeWlXB2FSm
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) December 8, 2022
If not Puma, New Balance also finds itself as a legit player in the Kyrie Irving Sweepstakes.
“Kyrie Irving, as reported, is no longer a Nike athlete,” Robinson added in a separate tweet.
“I’m told that a sneaker company that many should be paying attention to is New Balance. Stay tuned for that.”
It will be fascinating to see where Irving goes from here. Although he is objectively a very talented player, he is also a magnet for controversy. It’s one thing after another with him – nonstop.
As a result, Irving has lost a ton of money already in 2022 just for his general way of being.
She sensed who he was winking at without even looking. https://t.co/kbmlXS3xL7
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 11, 2022
Based on how Irving has behaved in recent years, it doesn’t seem like he will change his general way of being any time soon. How that will impact his next shoe brand obviously remains to be seen.
In any case, there is never a dull moment with Irving. And that likely won’t change until he ultimately decides to hang up his kicks for good.
Related: Blazers Star Damian Lillard Enamored With Ebanie Bridges (Video)
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
