Sneaker Free Agent Discussion: Where Should Russell Westbrook Go?
As one of the hottest “free agents” in the market today, Russell Westbrook has been the subject of conversation as to where his next destination will be. Don’t worry Oklahoma City Thunder fans, we’re not referring to the NBA market as he’s more than comfortable where he’s at. The sneaker market however, that’s a different story.
Rumors have been floating around about Westbrook leaving Nike since summer and details on where he’s landing is still up in the air.
Or so it was…
Yesterday, rumors were floating around the web about a possible Westbrook signing with adidas based on an Instagram picture from adidas Phillipines (one of adidas’ official accounts), with the caption “BOOM! #russellwestbrook.”
Unless they jumped the gun too early or just felt like giving Westbrook some love, it’s hard to argue that he’ll land somewhere else since it was an official adidas account that posted it. The only thing we’re waiting on now is an official press release from adidas themselves, but until then…
Do you think Westbrook should sign with adidas?
With the rising popularity of Derrick Rose and his line of footwear, it’s a smart move for a high profile player looking to get their own signature model. That’s not to say Nike has treated him poorly, because they haven’t, it’s just that he hasn’t received his own sneaker model (PEs do not count). On top of that, Westbrook would have some teammates under the adidas banner with him, including Serge Ibaka, and he wore adidas during his college days.
Or maybe he could sign with Jordan Brand. With the rumors floating around about Dwayne Wade leaving Jordan Brand, wouldn’t it be a good move leaning towards JB? Some may argue that the way Wade was treated (signature model-wise) didn’t lead to the most popular sneaker line in recent history. However, if that rumor comes to fruition, JB will need someone to take the reins and be their frontman; Westbrook fits that bill perfectly.
Or maybe he doesn’t leave Nike and resigns. That’s not out of the realm of possibility as Nike could still give him a signature shoe in the future and could market it in line with teammate Kevin Durant’s line. Just because someone is a free agent, doesn’t mean they won’t resign with their original team, right?
Until then, we shall wait and play the waiting game but it’s still fun to speculate.
TSG will be sure to keep you updated on any information surrounding the future signing of Westbrook to a new (or possibly, old) sneaker brand.
Where do you think Westbrook will go and should go? Or, should he stay with Nike?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Note: Until there is an official press release from adidas themselves, take this information as another rumor. The Instagram picture now comes up as “failed to load data,” more likely than not, it has been deleted since.
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Adidas make ugly-ass sneakers. If he’s smart, he’ll stay at Nike.
Stay @ nike!
Adidas shoes are horrible! Every shoe they have even the originals. The only shoe brand that he should go to if he wants to is Jordan. But he should stay with nike
As for the public…its gotta be the right style.
A shoe that will catch a instant reaction, and that’s NIKE not Adidas..
Adidas have a long ways to go to rein aside Nike..
So!!! The best solution for Westbrook is to stay. Plenty of room at Nike…….
Hmm.. Great question and write-up Jawrduhn. I think he should head over to Jordan Brand. Too many folks at Nike. Maybe JB would give him a little more attention. But if the money is right at Nike, then I would stay with the Swoosh.
Stay with Nike.
Kanye said it best in Gold Digger though,
“They keep callin’ and tryin’ but you stay right girl
and when you get on they leave yo a** for [Adidas]”
LoL
I personally think he should sign with Brand Jordan, seeing that he is always spotted in them. He could possibly bring back the style of b-ball shoe that Jordan is known for: fashionable, but functional. No, D Wade did not have the signature shoe that everyone thought he deserved. Maybe it was hard designing a shoe specifically for his style of play. Russell Westbrook’s style is similar and different at the same time. Both run the floor very well, but Westbrook is the more explosive of the two (maybe that has to do with age), meaning the shoe would have to have more cushioning and ankle support. D Wade is a heel-to-toe runner, but Westbrook runs on his forefoot, so the sole would definitely have to have great grip in that area….etc.
1.adidas make shoes thats good for balling but there’re arent stylish
2.reebok make shoes thats good for balling but there’re arent stylish
3.jordan brand makes shoes thats good for ballin but there’re arent stylish
4.nike is the only company that make shoes thats good for ballin and stylish in my opinion……..
under armor and converse arent an option
he should stay with nike for the best chance to see ppl wearing his shoes on the streets especially if the contract money is based on how much your shoes sale!!
It really depends on what he is looking for, the PE he has now at nike is not that awesome IMO so it’s not like Nike is taking advantage of him as of right now. Jordan Brand if it’s not a Retro it’s not selling so that a lateral move as well. We do know that Adidas well put money behind him and give him a great shoe to shoot ball in. That is for him the goal right. I’m not saying that adidas is the absolute way to go, but I do think in that he will get more money, a signature shoe, and a ton of extra exposure. Not the worst move, but that’s just me…
@kp
I’m not saying anything bad about you but, you said, “Adidas have a long ways to go to rein aside Nike…” but Adidas was made long before Nike and Nike has overthrown every brand. Adidas will never rein with Nike.
The d rose 3 is Beautiful whoever says its ugly is either personal oppinion ( which is doubt) or the fact that it’s not a Jordan (hypebeasts)
stay at nike rus
Has anyone ever left the swoosh for 3 stripes? Why would you, it’s usually the other way around. In the words of Loso, “if u could have Beyonce’ would you take Solange’? Huh?”
Just stay with Nike.
If what is written is even remotely true (he wants his own sig) then the only way you are getting it Rus is if you sign with some Chinese brand or UA.
Nike doesn’t give you a sig becasue you aren’t worth your own named shoe. Adidas wouldn’t be wise to give you one either. (maybe RBK)
This just falls in line with Russ Wes’s continued lack of knowing his role in the world. You are 2nd (actually probbaly 3rd) in terms of your own team.
In popularity, KD and the Beard will always outshine you. And you don’t have a big enough fan base to warrant your OWN shoe. Just facts.
i like the d-rose sneakers. the low-top 2′s are gorgeous and the 3′s look good also. if you can get a sig with adidas and get your name out there then do it. if not go to anta or li-ning where you can take advantage of Chinas HUGE population and possibly be the face of the next big name sneaker company. he is full of talent and no matter what he chooses he will be successful.
go the gilbert arenas way and stay a free agent and wear whatever you want
Adidas should bring back the streetball 1s 2s and 3s back in og colorways!!!!!!!!
I don’t think it’s bad to have a pe. Everybody doesn’t deserve their own shoe(not a westbrook diss). We all seen the signature jb line and it is horrible the retros are the best thing going. I would just stay with Nike and keep doing my thing.
Hes always in jordans even with his media day pictures hes in jordans its not about what everyone thinks looks good its what performs good and that he likes to wear which is obviously jordans and with wade gone for jordan brand they have an open slot for a signature shoe it only makes sense.