Zach LaVine To Be New Face Of Adidas?

Late Thursday night ESPN confirmed that Zach LaVine will join James Harden and Damian Lillard as the faces of Adidas basketball. LaVine cited Adidas already strong "brand presence in Chicago" as one of the reasons for joining an already strong stable of Adidas athletes-- which includes embattled former Bull and Chicago native Derrick Rose.

The Deal

The four-year endorsement is worth a reported $35 million according to industry sources. Thus allowing Lavine, 22, to hit the sneaker free agent market again by his age 26 season- where presumably, the uber athletic swingman would not only be in the midst of his prime, but hopefully (don't fuck us Gar/Pax) leading a more competitive Bulls team. Which hypothetically speaking, could increase his appeal to potential suitors-- should he choose to test the sneaker dating pool once again. I say this because for the first three years of his career in Minnesota LaVine donned Nike, not Adidas on the hardwood. But alas...

"I was looking for a partner that would grow with me as my career continues to unfold," LaVine said to ESPN. "Adidas convinced me that I have a chance to legitimately become a face of the brand."

Making the Switch

Coming off a season in which the young star tore his ACL, it seems Nike wasn't willing to bet on LaVine quite yet; considering the sneaker giant held a "match clause" over any potential offer sheet from a competing brand this fall. A sheet that at the end of the day, Phil Knight and Co. was just not willing to match. Regarding any upside in terms of his new deal, the contract is reportedly laden with unprecedented incentives that could prove very lucrative for LaVine in the future. "It's a different contract than anything we've done recently," a brand source said. LaVine's agent, Nima Namakian had this to say about the deal he negotiated for his client:

"Adidas made a strong commitment, coupled with significant upside and flexibility," Namakian said. "Equally as important, their vision and belief in Zach becoming an icon athlete and foundational figure of the brand over time really resonated with him."

As for seeing LaVine finally hit the floor as (most importantly) the new face of the Bulls franchise, the small forward could be cleared for contact as soon as next week.