Tyrese Haliburton signs endorsement deal with PUMA
Haliburton, who's in the first year of a new five-year extension with the Pacers, will now be wearing PUMA shoes on the court after signing an endorsement deal with the German company.
Something was clearly up when Tyrese Haliburton took part in Pacers media day.
As he posed for photos, his socks were rolled down once to hide the Nike logo.
Then, as he spoke to local media in the interview room, he briefly put his right leg on the table to reveal black Prada shoes and white socks (with the top still rolled over).
Now, it all makes sense.
Haliburton has made a switch as sharp as his crossover.
As the Pacers’ All-NBA point guard begins the first year of his rookie maximum contract extension, Haliburton has moved on from Nike to PUMA.
Haliburton signed a multi-year deal with PUMA Hoops, a German-based shoe and apparel company. The news was announced on Tuesday.
“I look forward to being a part of their commitment to the next generation of basketball,” Haliburton said in a statement. “PUMA’s vision and dedication to supporting athletes align perfectly with my goals, and I’m excited to represent the brand on and off the court.”
Nick DePaula of ESPN first reported an agreement.
Already with PUMA, according to their website: LaMelo Ball, Scoot Henderson, Dennis Schroeder, Breanna Stewart, and Indiana product Jackie Young.
It’s not immediately known if this deal also includes his first signature shoe. That’s a big deal for players and often inspires them to endorse a different sports apparel brand.
Haliburton will wear their latest performance shoe, the All-Pro NITRO, on the court. And you can expect him to wear player exclusives in the first.
He first wore white PUMA shoes on Sunday at Pacers FanJam.
"Since day one, we’ve always focused on the next generation of basketball at PUMA,” said Max Staiger, Global Head of Basketball at PUMA. “Tyrese is not only defining his own generation, but also is shaping the future of the game for many more to come. “We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with Tyrese to continue working on our disruptive next-gen approach to basketball.”
This is an abrupt switch because previously, Haliburton was proudly team Nike. He would give teammates who were not a hard time.
Now he’s one of them.
This was Haliburton 18 months ago while headlining a fashion panel for college students: “I’ve always wanted to have my own color of Nike shoes. And with them doing stuff with Kobe now, that would be the dream, for sure, because I’m just so basic off the court. You’re gonna catch me in Doc Martens or some Prada loafers.”
Haliburton, who signed with Nike as a rookie, wore special-edition Nike shoes while playing for Team USA on the Olympic team just a few months ago.
To announce his big news, PUMA commissioned a new promo spot.
It was filmed last Friday (Oct. 4) inside the historic Memory Hall Gym in Lebanon, Ind. It was built in the 1930s, used to be the home to sharpshooter Rick Mount, and was used for filming of “Hoosiers.”
Haliburton is shown doing what he does best on the court — crossing over opponents, moving into a step-back 3-pointer, and making slick passes.
Meanwhile, his father, John Haliburton, is shown in the gym watching four rows up. And he voices the 40-second spot.
See him right there?
That's my boy, Tyrese Haliburton.
He's been turning heads since he was a boy.
They told us his jumper wouldn't translate. Ha ha ha.
Really?
He ain't no joke.
And that's a promise.
He got something new to show you.
Ha ha ha. Made you look.
It was well done. And it’s extra special for Indiana basketball fans familiar with this special gym.