The NBA offseason brought a wave of sneaker movement, and a lot of the biggest names in the league changed lanes before the 2026-27 season even tipped off.
Stephen Curry’s sneaker free agency saga finally came to an end on June 1, when Curry and Li-Ning agreed to a 10-year signature shoe deal. Curry will keep wearing player-exclusive colorways of Li-Ning shoes with Curry Brand logos, and his first signature model with the Chinese company is expected in 2027.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also made a notable jump in July, leaving Converse for Nike. The move stood out, but the broader takeaway is what it means for Nike’s future with Converse. Gilgeous-Alexander’s line will continue, only now with a Swoosh instead of a Star Chevron.
Victor Wembanyama stayed with Nike, too, landing a long-term extension in July that includes his first signature basketball shoe and a new logo. Over at the Rockets, Kevin Durant was back on social media calling out Nike again this month, this time over the brand not making Nike KD football cleats.
Donovan Mitchell and adidas locked in a multiyear extension on October 1. The announcement did not specify the length of the deal, but it did confirm at least two more signature sneakers for Mitchell following the adidas DON Issue #8.
Skechers also has a new headliner in the mix. OG Anunoby is getting a signature basketball shoe with the brand after elevating both the Knicks and the Southern California-based company in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Not every shoe story is about a fresh start. Last January, Jordan Brand ended Zion Williamson’s signature line with the Pelicans power forward, and his contract reportedly expired later in 2026. NBA sneaker deals usually run out on October 1, but it’s still unclear whether Williamson’s deal expired or got renewed.
Austin Reaves is in a similar gray area. The Lakers guard stopped wearing his Rigorer signature shoes during the preseason, and when asked about Nike Kobe basketball shoes, he gave a pretty vague answer.
Anthony Edwards, meanwhile, kept building his adidas partnership with the launch of his third signature shoe, the adidas Anthony Edwards 3. The rollout comes with a comedy sketch show and more trash-talking commercials, including one that drew a response from Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James.
Ja Morant also has a new shoe chapter with Nike. The Nike Ja 4 and the Ja 4 High are both on the way, and the high-top version is set to arrive in a Freddy Krueger-inspired colorway before Halloween.
In Other News...
OG Anunoby Just Got A Knicks Price Tag Warning
Jaden McDaniels one-year, $40 million extension with Minnesota gave the Knicks another reminder of how expensive high-end defensive forwards have become. For New York, the deal is less about the Timberwolves and more about the broader market: players who can guard multiple spots, handle tough assignments and still stay on the floor are getting paid like premium assets, and OG Anunoby fits squarely in that class.
The timing matters because Anunobys value to the Knicks goes well beyond box scores, especially on a roster that leans on him for versatility and resistance on the wing. If McDaniels is the latest benchmark, New York should be ready for a steep price when it comes time to keep Anunoby in place, because defenders with his profile do not come cheap and the league keeps proving it. [Read more 🡒]
Mitchell Robinson Already Gave Knicks Fans A New Reason To Watch Boston
Mitchell Robinsons Boston debut came with the kind of early jolt that immediately had Knicks fans paying attention. In the Celtics season opener against Detroit, the former Knick was active from the start, putting up 2 field goals, a steal and 2 blocks before an ankle injury in the second quarter briefly interrupted his night, though he still stayed in the game.
For New York fans, the appeal is less about the Celtics result than about watching how Robinson looks in a different uniform and a new role. Bostons 121-113 loss also featured plenty of reaction around the game from fans and strong nights from other players, but Robinsons first outing was the detail that stood out most to a Knicks audience still tracking one of their familiar faces. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks May Catch A Break In 76ers Frontcourt For Opener
The 76ers offseason overhaul has already changed the shape of the East, with Philadelphia landing Jaylen Brown in a trade and adding LeBron James to give the top of the roster a very different look. But one quieter move could matter early for the Knicks: Tacko Fall, who was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal before it was converted to a two-way contract, is expected to miss the season opener because of a quadriceps injury.
For New York, the immediate significance is in the middle, where Philadelphias depth at center takes a hit before the first tip. Even with the headliners in place, the Sixers are suddenly a little thinner in the frontcourt for opening night, and that is the kind of early-season wrinkle the Knicks will be watching closely. [Read more 🡒]