Mavericks All-Star Though he’s “in no rush” to decide whether to stay in the NBA, Kyrie Irving is almost ready to call it quits on another free-agent endeavour.

 

Irving said on Wednesday that he will “very, very soon” announce a new sneaker deal during an Instagram Live video.

”I won’t even call it a shoe deal,” Irving said. “Like, I’m about to blow this stuff out of the water, and I’m so excited about it.”

Since November, when Nike ended its collaboration with Irving due to the 31-year-old superstar’s social media sharing of a link to an antisemitic film, his refusal to apologise in follow-up press conferences, and his eight-game suspension from the Brooklyn Nets, Irving has been a free agent.

 

Irving is the 20th NBA player to release a signature shoe with Nike following his rookie deal in 2011. According to ESPN, Nike terminated the endorsement deal with Irving 11 months before it expired on October 1, 2023. As a result, the “Kyrie 8” style was supposed to be released last year.

 

Since then, Irving has worn his trademark Nike trainers in games, but the logos have been taped over with remarks against social and racial injustice.

During certain Mavericks sessions, he also donned shoes from the Ethics brand, which was started by former NBA player Langston Galloway.

 

In his final sneaker update on Wednesday, Irving acknowledged the ongoing uncertainty while urging supporters and media to cease speculating about whether he will re-sign with the Mavericks or depart for the Los Angeles Lakers or another rival team.

“Be on the lookout for obviously my free agency decision,” Irving said, “coming next however long.”