ATLANTA — Trae Young is the newest Jordan Brand athlete, Nike announced on Friday.
The Atlanta Hawks star has signed with the iconic basketball sneaker brand after previously being signed with adidas, where he'd released three lines of shoes.
He also had a fourth line planned for release with adidas this year that reportedly was canceled as the relationship fractured. Now it's official: Trae is with Jordan Brand.
"When I look at the Jumpman, the first thing that comes to mind is the culture. Jordan Brand sets the tone for hoops culture and personifies greatness. The Jumpman really speaks for itself and I’m excited join the family," the point guard said in a statement released by Nike.
Nike, in announcing the signing, said it "couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Trae to the Jordan Brand Family."
In statements released by Nike, Young also spoke of how Jordans left an impression on him as a young hooper.
"As a kid, you always dream of lacing up in your first pair of Jordans," he said. "You put on that first pair, you feel invincible and like you can take on the world. As a kid, I always puffed out my chest a bit more when I had my Jordans on."
Young added that joining Jordan Brand was a "full circle moment."
“Oklahoma (where Young played college basketball) became a Jordan Brand school in 2018 right after I entered the NBA Draft. I remember thinking I wish I had the chance to rock the Jumpman in college, but it’s all come full circle," he said. "I’m excited to be a Jordan Brand athlete, and I’m sure there will be opportunities for OU and I to come together.”
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