The Knicks’ 2019 first-round pick RJ Barrett announced on Wednesday he would sign with athletic brand Puma in an exclusive shoe deal.
R.J. Barrett is officially Puma Gang.
OFFICIAL: RJ Barrett has signed a multi-year shoe deal with PUMA.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 28, 2019
More to come live from New York on 31st Street at 4:30 PM… pic.twitter.com/0INe0BPolV
The third overall pick of the 2019 draft has signed a multi-year deal shoe deal with Puma, confirmed by ESPN’s Nick DePaula. Barrett is second consecutive New York Knicks first-round pick to sign with the brand, following Kevin Knox.
Barrett’s reveal came in a big way, via a billboard on 31st Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenue), where he will meet fans later today, Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
? @RjBarrett6 pic.twitter.com/jE30v7xf44
— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) August 27, 2019
The signing itself comes as no surprise. Barrett was seen rocking Pumas in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the NBA’s Summer League and attended the rookie photoshoot last week wearing Pumas as well.
RJ Barrett at the rookie shoot in PUMAs ? pic.twitter.com/nxpDqPhFFr
— SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks) August 11, 2019
Barrett gives Puma a stronger presence among young players as he will join DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Michael Porter Jr., Zhaire Smith, and Knox. Walt “Clyde” Frazier, the former Knicks great, Hall of Fame point guard, and current MSG Network color commentator, also signed on to commence his relationship with the shoe this time last year.
In a sit down with Jay Williams for “The Boardroom,” Barrett mentioned that he pays close attention to shoe deals, so his decision to ride with Puma was carefully made. Is a signature shoe already in the works? That question could be answered later today when Barrett meets with fans later today.
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