Stephen Curry’s Sneaker Free Agency Turns Heads in Dallas, and Kyrie Irving’s Legacy Looms Large
Stephen Curry didn’t just walk into American Airlines Center on Thursday night-he made a statement. In his hands were the latest performance sneakers from Kyrie Irving’s ANTA line.
On his feet? A pair from Irving’s lifestyle collection.
And on the court, Curry laced up the “Chinese New Year” colorway of the ANTA KAI 3s and dropped a game-high 38 points.
Sure, the Warriors came up short in a 123-115 loss to the Mavericks, but Curry’s performance-and his footwear-kept the spotlight squarely on him. This wasn’t just another night in Curry’s season. It was the latest chapter in what’s become one of the NBA’s most intriguing off-court storylines: his sneaker free agency.
A Different Kind of Showcase
Since parting ways with Under Armour back in November, Curry has turned every road trip into a runway. He’s rotated through brands like Nike, Adidas, and ANTA, using each game as a platform to test out new kicks and send subtle messages. Dallas was no exception, but the choice to wear Irving’s sneakers carried a little more weight.
ANTA, after all, is Irving’s current sponsor-and it’s also the brand behind the signature shoes of Mavs teammates Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford. For Curry, who wore Thompson’s kicks during their Christmas Day matchup (a Warriors win), Thursday’s choice felt like more than just a nod to style. It was a quiet tribute to a longtime rival turned respected peer.
From Finals Fireworks to Mutual Respect
Curry and Irving have history-real, legacy-shaping history. Their names will forever be linked thanks to three straight NBA Finals matchups from 2015 to 2017.
And if there’s one moment that still echoes from that rivalry, it’s Irving’s cold-blooded step-back three over Curry in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals. That shot didn’t just help Cleveland clinch a title-it became a defining highlight of the era.
But time has a way of reshaping perspective. On Thursday, Curry spoke candidly about how that once-heated competition has evolved into something more grounded.
“It’s nothing but mutual respect and admiration for what he’s done in his career,” Curry said. “The battles that we’ve had, the deeper you get into it, you appreciate the fact that his kind of talent raises your level throughout the journey.”
Irving, still recovering from ACL surgery, was in the building and shared a brief halftime embrace with Curry. It was a small moment, but a meaningful one-a reminder of how far their relationship has come.
The Meaning Behind the KAI 3
Curry’s decision to wear the KAI 3s wasn’t spontaneous. He reached out to Irving before tipoff to make sure it felt right.
“I hit him before tonight to make sure he was cool with me wearing his shoes because I know he hasn’t had a chance to debut them on the court,” Curry said. “He said the admiration goes both ways, so I appreciate greatness.”
The KAI 3 is more than just a shoe-it’s a reflection of where Irving is in his journey. This new model, the beginning of what ANTA is calling the KAI 3.0 era, is built around themes like renewal, balance, and patience.
The “Chinese New Year” colorway that Curry wore-featuring beige, gold, and red-symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. It’s a fitting message for a player on the road to recovery and a fellow star paying tribute.
After the game, Curry swapped into Irving’s Hela Style ROOTS for his postgame media session, keeping the spotlight on Irving’s brand even after the final buzzer.
Irving’s Return Still Up in the Air
As for when Irving might make his own return to the court, the timeline remains murky. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd provided a brief update before the game, saying he’d spoken with Irving earlier in the week and described him as being “in good spirits.”
“He wants to get back. He wants to play,” Kidd said.
“But when you’re coming back from an ACL, it’s a time thing. Mentally and physically, you want to be 100%.
But for him, he’s doing both of those things at a high level.”
Kidd hinted that a return after the All-Star break is possible, though he didn’t rule out other scenarios. The key, he emphasized, is making sure Irving feels fully ready-both physically and mentally-to handle the grind of NBA action again.
The Warriors and Mavericks will meet one more time this season, on March 23, back in Dallas. That date will mark more than a year since Irving tore his ACL on March 3, 2025. Whether he’ll be back in uniform by then is still uncertain.
What’s even harder to predict? What Curry will be wearing when that night rolls around.
“It’s been fun throughout this process,” Curry said. “Competitors, rivals, friends, guys that mean a lot to you.”
In a season full of shifting narratives and evolving legacies, Curry’s sneaker tour has become more than a fashion statement-it’s a celebration of the players who’ve shaped his journey. And in Dallas, that story had Kyrie Irving’s name all over it.