Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has kicked Converse to the curb and is now under contract with Nike’s Jordan Brand, according to an announcement last week.
Wade had three years left at Converse, where he was to be the driving force in reviving the company’s once-thriving basketball business. However, the relationship between the two parties appeared less than robust. Last season, he was rarely seen wearing his most recently released signature shoe, the “Wade 4,” favoring an older model instead.
“I didn’t want to be in the Converse brand anymore because it seemed like they didn’t know what to do with me,” Wade told the AP. “I want to go global. It’s something I feel like I have to do. I want to continue to build my brand.”
The NBA star joins such athletes as Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Derek Jeter in representing the Jumpman brand. The 12-year-old division of Nike, which also owns Converse, seems to be a better fit for the ambitious Wade.
“I grew up on the south side of Chicago idolizing Michael Jordan and have worked hard to achieve the same success that he’s had on the court,” Wade said. “I have enormous respect for this brand.”
Likewise, Michael Jordan feels the same to have him on board. “I’m thrilled to have Dwyane Wade join the Team Jordan family,” Jordan said.
The details surrounding the deal were not released. However, it’s believed that the new contract, at minimum, matches the remaining three years on the Converse contract.
Wade signed with Converse as a rookie back in 2003, right before Nike bought the brand. His deal ran until 2011-12.
