Andrew Wiggins is being considered as the next big thing in the NBA as he is expected to be the first-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. If recent reports on potential endorsement deal lined up for him are to be believed, the Kansas University star could reach or even surpass the hype LeBron James had before entering the NBA.
In a report from Jared Zwerling that was published on Bleacher Report, Wiggins is set to receive a potentially historic sneaker contract once he is drafted next year, similar or even higher than what James received in 2003 after he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"Everybody is excited about Wiggins' talent," an official of Under Armour said. "From everything you see or hear, he's the next kid coming into the NBA that's going to demand, on talent alone, a significant amount from a brand. That type of commitment and interest for a rookie has really died down since LeBron and maybe Kevin Durant being the last one."
According to Rich Lopez, the publisher of Kix and the City website, Adidas is dead serious in striking a huge sponsorship deal with Wiggins. Although Adidas and Wiggins can only negotiate once the latter is drafted in the NBA, Lopez said that Adidas is expected to put a 10-year offer worth $140 to $180 million on the table.
"Adidas is easily the front-runner, 100 percent. From what I'm hearing, Adidas is really high on him. I've heard a range for sure, from like $140 to $180 million for like 10 years. That's a big deal for a kid coming out of school because most rookie deals are probably like four years," Lopez said.
Nike, which signed James to a seven-year sponsorship contract worth $93 million in 2003, is also expected to lure the Canadian standout, but Lopez said that Nike could pass because they are tied up with huge contracts involving NBA superstars James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Kyrie Irving.
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