10 NBA Players Who Will Be Sneaker Free Agents This Summer

Written by Peter Walsh (@Peter_M_Walsh)

Portland Trailblazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard made waves in the sneaker world last week when it was reported that he would be opting out of his contract with adidas this summer. Lillard’s move sets the stage for what should be an intense bidding war for the burgeoning superstar during the NBA's offseason. Along with Lillard, there are some other key players who'll be entering sneaker free agency later this year.

With a litany of stars and rising players all in line for a sneaker deal that could include exclusive PEs and signature lines, sneakerheads will be keeping a close eye on where each player winds up. To help keep you on top of the guys who could be responsible for an industry shake up, here are 10 NBA Players Who Will be Sneaker Free Agents This Summer.

RELATED: 10 NBA Rising Stars Destined for Signature Sneakers
RELATED: 50 Best Sneakers Worn In the NBA This Season (So Far)

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Currently Wearing: Nike
Predicted Destination: Under Armour

After being traded from the Rockets to the Thunder in the James Harden deal, Lamb slipped under the radar when he was sent to the D-League for the majority of last season. This season, the 21-year old has shown flashes of what he is capable of in extended minutes but hasn’t blown away fans with his game yet. Why does he fall on this list then? Every year in the Playoffs a player comes from seemingly out of nowhere to put on a memorable performance on the season’s biggest stage. Last season it was the Spurs Danny Green who absolutely torched the Heat. This season, signs point towards Lamb as a player primed to break out. With KD and Russell Westbrook earning double teams, the Thunder will need someone to step up and the 6-5 wing player will have his opportunity. Naturally, big time play earns big time recognition and endorsement offers. Lamb would fit in nicely with Under Armour as he’ll have a chance to grow and develop with a brand that is in its early stages of competing with the other sneaker giants.

Team: Toronto Raptors
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: adidas

The Raptors have been absolutely killing the on-court sneaker game this season thanks to the taste of guys like Ross, DeMar DeRozan and Amir Johnson. The former Slam Dunk champion has proved this season that he’s not a one-trick pony thanks to his 51-point performance against the Clippers in January. Ross has been keeping a steady rotation of Jordans and Foamposites this season and the current free agent will likely be hoping to sign a deal with Nike in the summer. But, Ross also falls in line with the adidas roster of Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, and John Wall—a collective of young, explosive guards. By signing with adidas, Ross can join a much smaller roster which will give him more opportunities to expand his brand.

Team: Utah Jazz
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: Chinese brand

After four years it’s clear that Hayward is destined for a long, successful run in the NBA and after turning down a contract extension with the Jazz this past offseason, the Indiana native is due for a big payday for his services on the court. The Indiana native has primarily worn the KD VI this season and if he is to sign with with one of the major brands, it’s unlikely that he would ever be outfitted in anything more than a PE. In that case, it may be in Hayward’s best interest to go the route of Chandler Parsons and link up with a Chinese brand that will give him a broader appeal and more money.

Team: Sacramento Kings
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: Nike

Shockingly, Cousins has been a sneaker free agent since he was drafted back in 2010 but that will likely change in the offseason. Boogie has a well-documented sneaker collection and has been wearing a slew of rare Jordans and Nikes for the Kings this season. Cousins’ hot-headed behavior has likely been the reason why a sneaker company hasn’t inked DMC to a deal yet. But at the end of the day, Cousins’ won’t be getting paid to lead prayer circles, he’ll be getting checks to sell sneakers. Nike hasn’t been afraid to sign guys with bad tempers, just look what they did with Charles Barkley in the ‘90s. With Cousins, Nike could embrace Boogie’s personality and re-invent the “I am not a role model” campaign that was a smash with Sir Charles.

Team: Detroit Pistons
Currently Wearing: Jordan Brand
Projected Destination: Jordan Brand

Drummond initially signed a deal with adidas after being drafted in 2012 but left the brand in the offseason and has been seen exclusively in Jordans this season. At just 20 years old, the center is blossoming before our eyes and will quickly be considered one of, if not the, best centers in the NBA. It’s been rare for a big man to get a signature sneaker of his own but the exception may have to be made for Drummond in the future. Drummond’s affinity for Jordans would make the Jumpman a natural pairing but Drummond would be stuck behind Melo (if he re-signs), Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin on the totem pole. Still, the allure of having every Jordan at his disposal may be too good for Drummond to pass up.

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: Nike

Kevin Durant’s monster statistical season has coincided with a monster year for his signature line. The KD VI has been one of the top choices amongst players on court and its seemingly never-ending array of colorways has made the sneaker a hit off-court as well. Durant has been with Nike in some capacity since his high school days and it would take a lot to pry the potential MVP from the Swoosh. Expect KD to sign a deal in excess of 10 years which will continue his signature line and keep him with Nike for the duration of his career.

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: Under Armour

Irving has had a rocky season on court with the Cavs struggling, but off the court the young point guard has proven to be a marketing juggernaut. With his Uncle Drew commercials a smash hit, the All-Star Game MVP has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA. Despite the accolades, Nike is yet to outfit Irving with a signature look of his own and he may be growing impatient. All of the major sneaker brands will be making a major push for Irving this summer and with LeBron, Kobe, and Kevin Durant still churning out signature looks for the foreseeable future, it may be in Irving’s best interest to align with a different brand to get the signature look he deserves.

Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Currently Wearing: adidas
Projected Destination: adidas

The reigning Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and current SLAM Magazine coverboy has been shattering expectations since he was drafted sixth overall in 2012. Lillard made waves in the sneaker world this week when he announced that he would opt-out of his contract with adidas and become a sneaker free agent this summer, setting the stage for what should be an intense bidding war for the young man’s services. Lillard’s opt-out was the result of savvy deal-making that included incredible foresight. It has been reported that Lillard’s adidas contract included incentive clauses (such as winning Rookie of the Year and being named to the All-Star team) which made it possible for the budding superstar to open up negotiations after two short seasons. With Derrick Rose’s future murky at best, adidas has to make Lillard an offer he can’t refuse.

Team: Indiana Pacers
Currently Wearing: Nike
Projected Destination: Nike

The current Nike signee has been having a helluva season for the 43-13 Indiana Pacers, posting averages of 22.7 points, 6.4 boards and 3.4 assists per game. A two-time All-Star and arguably one of the five best players in the league, PG24 will be demanding a hefty price tag from the sneaker giants this summer. Though he plays in a small market, George is undoubtedly deserving of a signature sneaker. Nike has already proven that it can push a star from a small-market to the upper-echelon of the sneaker game with Kevin Durant’s signature line and with George not even in his prime yet, Nike would be foolish to let him walk to another brand. The offers coming in will be enticing, especially with other brands surely ready to guarantee an immediate signature line, but it’s tough to envision George leaving Nike.

Team: New York Knicks
Currently Wearing: Jordan Brand
Projected Desintation: Jordan Brand or Chinese brand

Okay, we’re jumping the gun a bit considering Melo won’t officially be a sneaker free agent until next summer. But the Melo situation is one of the most enticing storylines to keep an eye on going forward. Last week, Sole Collector Editor-In-Chief Nick DePaula tweeted a compelling anecdote in the Melo saga. To paraphrase, Melo has gone on record saying that he would be willing to take a paycut with the Knicks this summer (he can opt-out of his current playing contract, which he certainly will do) if it means they bring in the necessary players to win a championship. To help offset the lower salary, Melo could sign a massive deal with a Chinese brand, much like Dwyane Wade did with Li-Ning in 2012. Melo has experienced great success with Jordan but a huge deal and some sort of decision-making role with a foreign company may be too good for the Knick to pass up—especially as Melo hits his 30s.