Trae Young’s sneaker journey with adidas is coming to an end. The upcoming adidas Trae Young 4 will be his last signature shoe with the brand. This marks the conclusion of a partnership that began in 2018, when Young signed his initial contract with adidas.
The End Of An Era For Trae Young
The deal saw Young release three signature models, with a fourth expected by the end of 2024. Sources have confirmed that the Trae Young 4 will be his last signature model with the three-striped company. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean Young’s association with adidas will end entirely. Similar to Russell Westbrook’s situation with Jordan Brand, Young could still release takedown sneakers or budget models under adidas.
Young’s signature line started in 2021 with the Trae Young 1, followed by the second and third models in 2022 and 2023, respectively. His sneakers have attracted attention due to their innovative designs, and the upcoming Trae Young 4 promises to follow the same path. A knit base, neoprene upper, and TPU reinforcements define the Trae Young 4’s design, with several colorways set to drop during the 2024 holiday season. The sneaker will retail at $130, with six additional colorways expected in spring 2025.
Next Chapter For Trae Young After adidas
With this chapter closing, the question on everyone’s mind is which brand Young will sign with next. Several sneaker companies could make a play for the star guard, who has become one of the most marketable players in the NBA. Let’s explore some possible suitors for Young’s next sneaker deal.
Nike
Nike is always a top contender when it comes to signing high-profile athletes. As one of the most dominant brands in sportswear, Nike could offer Young a platform to further elevate his brand. Nike has a history of signing elite guards, including Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant. Young’s dynamic play style and marketability could align well with Nike’s commitment to basketball. If Nike chooses to sign Young, he could follow the path of Irving, with a line of performance-driven basketball shoes.
Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike, could be another potential option. Jordan Brand has made significant strides in signing younger stars in recent years. Players like Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum have received signature shoes with Jordan. The brand has a legacy of producing performance basketball sneakers with cultural impact. Young could benefit from joining this roster, allowing him to further his legacy on and off the court.
Puma
Puma has aggressively re-entered the basketball market in recent years. The brand signed young stars like LaMelo Ball and Deandre Ayton, positioning itself as a challenger to Nike and adidas. Puma has focused on signing up-and-coming players, and Young fits this profile perfectly. The brand could offer Young more creative freedom and a chance to build a signature line tailored to his style.
New Balance
New Balance has made waves in the NBA by signing stars like Kawhi Leonard. The company has taken a more understated approach, focusing on performance and simplicity. If Young were to sign with New Balance, it could signal a new direction for the brand which has been gaining traction in the basketball market. While New Balance has typically focused on a select group of athletes, Young’s explosive style could complement its growing basketball division.
Under Armour
Under Armour has already made a major splash by signing Stephen Curry. The brand could look to continue its expansion by adding another marquee guard to its roster. Signing Young could bolster Under Armour’s presence in the basketball world, with the company already gaining significant attention from Curry’s signature line. A partnership between Young and Under Armour could lead to innovative designs and unique marketing campaigns.
The Last Word
As Young’s time with adidas winds down, the basketball world waits to see where he will take his next step. His popularity and play style make him an attractive candidate for any of these brands. The Trae Young 4 marks the end of one chapter, but a new one is sure to begin soon. Whether with Nike, Jordan, or another brand, Trae Young’s sneaker journey is far from over.
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