4 Signature Athletes Play for Clippers After Harden Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers have a monopoly on signature sneaker lines after the James Harden trade.

Author:
Pat Benson
Publish date:
Oct 31, 2023 9:36 AM EDT

Basketball fans know that there is never a shortage of drama in the NBA. Look no further than last night's multi-player blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. But just as teams are in an arm's race for talent, sneaker companies are in a constant state of battle to secure the most attention on their products and athletes.

Now that Harden is a Clipper, Los Angeles has more athletes with signature sneaker lines than any other NBA team. Three players have active signature sneaker lines, with one that just ended. Below is what fans need to know about the Clippers' strong sneaker roster.

Paul George

Long before Paul George played for the Los Angeles Clippers, he was one of the faces of Nike Basketball. George signed with Nike in 2010, and his signature line launched in 2017.

The Nike PG line enjoyed six installments before it quietly ended in with its final release in August 2022. Although George's signature line is no longer active, the perennial NBA All-Star still plays in his older models.

Kawhi Leonard

After starting his career with Jordan Brand, Kawhi Leonard shocked the sneaker world by signing with New Balance in 2018. Fast forward five years, and Leonard is on his third signature sneaker, and New Balance has quickly built a star-studded roster of players in the NBA.

Currently, Leonard's hoop shoes are not available on the New Balance website. However, his fourth signature sneaker is expected this season. All eyes will be on Leonard and New Balance, as they are rumored to be in a contract year.

Russell Westbrook

It should come as no surprise that Michael Jordan admired Russell Westbrook. The fiery point guard plays with a level of tenacity that is rarely seen in the modern NBA. So, it probably did not take much convincing for Westbrook and Jordan Brand to partner up.

Westbrook signed with Jordan Brand in October 2012 before signing a ten-year extension in 2017, which gave him the largest total endorsement deal of any athlete sponsored by the brand.

James Harden

It feels like a long time and many teams ago, but James Harden began his career in Nike. But way back in 2015, Harden signed a 13-year contract with adidas for up to $200 million.

Since then, adidas has launched seven models under Harden's signature line, with many being smash hits. Not only do Harden's sneakers perform well on the court, but they take cues from his fashion off the court.