Houston Rockets star James Harden may earn more from Adidas than the Houston Rockets in the coming years as the apparel company reportedly offered him a 13-year, $200 million deal.
According to ESPN, Harden's deal with Nike recently expired and they only have until the end of this week to reach a new deal with the Rockets guard.
Harden did not have his own signature shoe in his deal with Nike but was connected to the brand's Hyperchase line which are the shoes he is wearing.
"We've invited James Harden to join Adidas. We're a brand of creators and he truly embodies what that means with his approach to the game, his look and his style on and off the court," Adidas spokesman Michael Ehrlich stated.
Ehrlich also mentioned Harden winning the scoring title and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
"His connection with fans is unparalleled and unprecedented and he can take the game, our brand, and the industry to new heights," Ehrlich added.
Adidas is currently the official apparel partner of the NBA until this season since they will not renew their deal with Nike taking over starting the 2016–17 season.
The Germany-based company is looking to have a new campaign and have individuality by signing NBA stars, already having former MVP Derrick Rose and All-Stars Damian Lillard and John Wall as endorsers for the brand with their own shoe lines.
Harden is the only legitimate star who is yet to sign a deal with an apparel company and Adidas hopes he can help them after they fell to third place among the best-selling apparel brand in the United States.
Under Armour, which is represented by 2015 MVP and NBA champion Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, took the no. 2 spot.
Adidas is under a new leadership with Eric Liedtke leading the global branding after replacing Erich Stamminger, who left the company because of the pressure of improving their business in North America.
