Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Latest Gift to Damian Lillard Could Potentially Be a Breach of $100 Million Contract
By Jeremiah SantosMilwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recently carried out an offseason tradition, handing out the latest edition of his signature shoes, the Nike Zoom Freak 5, to his fellow teammates and various employees of the Bucks organization.
Freak 5 Time ๐ฅ๐
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34)
One of the notable recipients of the gift is his new teammate Damian Lillard, $100 million deal with rival shoe brand Adidas.
"Hey man, I appreciate it. I really appreciate this," the 33-year-old said .
Antetokounmpo then requested a pair of Lillard's own Adidas signature shoes, which the latter gladly agreed to provide soon.
"Make sure you give me one of yours, too," the 2021 NBA Finals MVP said.
The former Blazers guard also asked the two-time NBA MVP to sign the Nike shoes he had gifted him.
"I got you man. I need mine signed.. your good signature," the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member responded.
Damian Lillard reportedly ending ties with Adidas
The seven-time NBA All-Star is reportedly leaving the German shoe brand at the end of his contract next year, Marca.
Lillard's with Adidas was the DAME 8 EXTPLY, which debuted at the end of August.
Although not an entirely new model, it followed the Dame 8's release in December 2021, hinting at a potential slowdown in the partnership that used to produce annual shoe releases.
Aside from Lillard, longtime endorser Derrick Rose is also rumored to leave Adidas next year, with the brand focusing on the next generation of stars with Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell.