“Suits and ties, yelling pay those guys.”
Fellow Canadian, Drake, may not have helped Andrew Wiggins get the deal done, but Adidas definitely followed the advice offered on Draft Day as they inked the 2014 NBA number one overall draft pick to a multi-year deal with an approximate $2 million per year guarantee. It is estimated to be around 5 years, $12-13M including both shoes and apparel when the final announcement takes place Wednesday.
Why Adidas? Maybe it was the Kansas tradition, who is also endorsed by Adidas, or maybe simply put “money talks.” Either way, the young superstar has joined the likes of Derrick Rose, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard and fellow rookie Dante Exum on the Adidas brand roster.
Jabari Parker, who was the number two pick overall signed to the Nike Jordan brand, adding extra fuel to the natural competition that will ensue over their young careers, due to the fact many believe Parker should have been the Cavaliers smarter selection for the developing squad. Only time will tell at this point.
Let the comparisons begin, as Wiggins will be playing Friday in the Las Vegas Summer League for the Cavs. Tune into NBA TV to catch the action.
OS REWIND: Andrew Wiggins Skies in ESPN The Magazine Feature
OS REWIND: Andrew Wiggins Talks Being Potential Number One Draft Pick