Klay Thompson could soon be signing one of the largest shoe deals in the NBA.
Chinese brand, Anta, has reportedly offered Thompson a multi-year extension on his current deal that lasts through the 2019-20 season. The deal would place him among one of the highest earning footwear endorsers in the league, according to Nick DePaula of Nice Kicks.
The Thompson camp has yet to accept the deal that would pay around $9 million annually, due in large part to the fact that the Golden State shooting guard recently switched his marketing representation, hiring Wasserman Media Group to handle all of his off-court endorsement opportunities.
Thompson’s current deal with Anta pays around $3 million annually. Should Thompson agree to the extension, he would become the sixth highest earning footware endorser in the league behind LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden and Derrick Rose. It would also make him the highest paid player with a Chinese shoe deal.
Thompson left Nike for Anta in 2014, signing what was considered an above market deal, just before he became one of the elite players in the league, making consecutive NBA Finals and All-Star appearances. He’s launched two “KT” signature shoes since signing the original deal.
The deal has reportedly been on the table for several weeks, with experts saying it is likely he will sign rather than begin talks with a new brand. Thompson and his new representation is expected to meet with Anta next week.
