Nikola Jokić Is Leaving Nike for China's 361°

Former MVP wears non-Nike shoes for the first time.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets
Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets

Arguably the best basketball player in the world, Denver Nuggets center and reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokić has spent the first eight seasons of his career wearing sneakers by Nike. For the past two seasons, he's led the brand's GT Jump franchise, famously making headlines for playing with his wedding ring attached to his laces. However, for the past few weeks, it's been heavily rumored that Nike and Jokić would be parting ways, with Chinese brand 361° hinting that it'd be adding an MVP-caliber player soon. Those rumors were confirmed tonight, as Jokić took the court not wearing Nike for the first time.

A reminder that Nikola Jokic laces his wedding ring into his shoes during games 💍🫶 pic.twitter.com/qWOLpqHGQa

— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) May 23, 2023
Twitter: @ComplexSneakers

In Toronto for a matchup with the Raptors, Jokić laced up a high-top variation of the 361° Big3 Future CQT. Not available to purchase in stores stateside, the lower-cut Big3 Future CQT can be purchased via online retailers such as official 361° partner kickscrew.com. The shoe, described as one of 361's flagship products, features a synthetic and mesh build, as well as Carbon Critical and SOARSYSTEM technology.

Nick DePaula has confirmed that Jokić has signed a multi-year deal with 361°. He joins Nuggets teammate Aaron Gordon as a member of the brand.

The sneakers worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 20, 2023
361° Big3 Future CQT
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game on December 20, 2023