The Chinese sneaker company, Li-Ning keeps making strides in the basketball world, signing yet another player in the NBA to join its already star-studded roster.
ESPN's Nick De Paula confirmed Miami Heat star, Jimmy Butler has agreed to a multi-year signature shoe deal with Li-Ning. The 31 year-old is expected to become the face of the brand.
BREAKING: Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has agreed to a significant multi-year signature shoe deal with Li-Ning.
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) November 19, 2020
Butler will become the current face of the brand, which also has a lifetime deal with Heat icon @DwyaneWade. pic.twitter.com/V7Bq83lUb9
Butler is coming fresh off a breakout season with the Heat, where he led the young Miami team to the NBA Finals at the NBA restart in Orlando. Jimmy 'Buckets', who didn't have a good reputation amongst certain teams in the league, proved to be one of the best leaders in the association last season.
The Marquette product averaged 22.2 points per game throughout the 21 playoff games he participated in the 'bubble'. Butler was also named a NBA All-Star for the first time since 2018, as well as receiving All-NBA Third Team honors.
The Chinese brand’s roster of players currently includes CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors and D’Angelo Russell of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Li-Ning first came to the NBA spotlight after signing Dwyane Wade back in 2012. Now, 'D-Wade' has a lifetime contract with the company.