Potential No. 1 pick LaMelo Ball close to endorsement deal with PUMA

Ball will join a brand strengthening its place in the basketball world after signing the likes of Kyle Kuzma, R.J. Barrett and others.

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19-year-old LaMelo Ball is reportedly close to signing a multi-year footwear and apparel endorsement contract with PUMA, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft was expected to field offers from several different apparel companies. Ball will join a brand attempting to strengthen its place in the basketball world as PUMA has signed the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, R.J. Barrett, Kendrick Nunn and several others.

The terms of the contract are not yet known but a report surfaced late last year stating that Ball was offered a $100 million endorsement contract by a shoe company. The unknown brand also apparently offered Ball a private jet as part of the deal, though it is unclear if that company was PUMA.

With Ball deciding to sign with PUMA, he will become the first Ball brother to sign with a company outside of the Big Baller Brand. LaMelo’s brother, Lonzo, offered LaMelo some advice ahead of his decision and told him to meet with every company possible and go with the brand that wants him the most since he didn’t take meetings before signing with BBB.

Ball is considered to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft with many believing he could potentially be the top selection after a strong season abroad in Australia’s National Basketball League. Ball averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals in 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks.

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