UNITED STATES—News broke last week that Marvin Bagley and Deandre Ayton signed to Puma. Rapper, Jay-Z whose legal name is Shawn Carter, has been named as president of Puma Basketball.
Jay Z recently signed several athletes to his Roc Nation Sports Label including Kevin Durant, Todd Gurley and Skylar Diggins. With athletes such as Lebron James in his circle, it is no surprise athletes are jumping at the opportunity to work with the mogul.
Bagley signed a five-year deal with Puma, The Athletic reported. It is known to be in the range of Kevin Durant’s rookie shoe deal, which was for 7 years at a reported $60 million.
“When they [Puma] came to us, they presented the vision they had for the brand, for myself, and for what they’re trying to do going forward with everything coming up. I sat down after all that was over and made the decision to go with the Puma brand because I have a vision — me, being creative — I think about the future and think about what can happen,” Bagley told CBS sports.
Te amount of money Ayton signed for has not been disclosed, but it is reported to be a multi-million dollar four-year deal.
After signing to Puma, Ayton told Bleacher Report, “Nike is Nike. Adidas is Adidas. I’ve played in their circuits and stuff like that, but now it’s a business. You don’t want just product. You’re not a kid anymore. You’re really trying to get bank. That’s about it.”
Bagley played with Duke last year where he averaged 21 point and 11 rebounds. Ayton attended University of Arizona last year where he averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds.
During the NBA Draft, on Thursday, June 21, Ayton was selected #1 overall by the Phoenix Suns, while Marvin Bagley was selected #2 overall by the Sacramento Kings.
Written By Madison McKesson
