Bonzi Wells went viral for rejecting a $38.5 million deal from the Sacramento Kings. In this regard, he stated, “My agent was talking (to the Kings) without the team, and he wasn’t bringing back all of the information to the team.” Wells’ experience emphasized just how important it is, for an NBA player, to choose a good sports agent. It’s not surprising then that Stephen Curry’s father and former NBA star Dell Curry wanted to be involved in the decision that would have a huge impact on his son’s career. Fortunately, with the route that he chose, Dell didn’t have to worry much.

In an appearance on the Raising Fame podcast in July, the 60-year-old revealed how he and a young Steph discussed about choosing the right agent. They eventually narrowed the choice down to three. Probably looking to avoid Bonzi Wells’ situation, Dell said to one of the agents that he wanted to serve as part of the advisory board. Ultimately, when Steph decided to go with his father’s agent (Jeff Austin), Dell felt that the right call was made.

“Why wouldn’t you want me to be involved?” said Dell in regards to the conversation he had with the anonymous agent. “And contrary to that, I remember when Jeff first started representing Steph, and he said it was kind of a delight to call a parent and not have to explain why, or what’s happening, but just explain ‘Hey, this is what we got.’ And for a parent to, to know exactly the deal and what’s going on. So, where he didn’t have to explain everything.”

Dell did not highlight whether he told Stephen Curry about the conversation he had with the other agent. Despite what happened, when he sat down in front of the three agents, the Warriors star chose Jeff Austin. The former player revealed that both he and Jeff cried that day, and that Jeff got to represent a father-son duo for the first time. Later on, Steph’s brother and brother-in-law, Seth and Damion Lee, also signed with the agent, making him much closer to the family than before.

While players following in their father’s footsteps is not a rare phenomenon in the sports world, choosing the same agent certainly is. The only other example has been when Bronny James recently chose the same agent who has been with his father, LeBron James, for the better half of the two-decade career: Rich Paul. Entrusting the faith in Dell’s agent certainly paid off for the four-time NBA champion. Today, not does he hold the 14 highest salary for the upcoming NBA season, Curry also earned over $150 million in endorsements during his first decade in the league. Furthermore, the NBA player’s deal with Under Armour, which provides a majority of his endorsement earnings, would not have existed if not for Jeff Austin.

Jeff Austin’s role in Stephen Curry’s choice of Under Armour over Nike

Nike rose to prominence after getting Michael Jordan to sign with them in 1984. Since then, the brand has aligned with several other star players like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. However, they were not able to maintain a long-term relationship with Stephen Curry.

When the Nike deal ended, Under Armour proposed giving Curry $4 million annually, a signature shoe, and the opportunity to be the company’s face. Nike was unwilling to offer the extra $1.5 million per year to match Under Armour’s offer. Furthermore, a meeting to convince Curry to stay went poorly when a Nike representative referred to him as “Steph-on” and used a repurposed PowerPoint that displayed Kevin Durant’s name. All of this led Jeff Austin to conclude that Nike isn’t the right choice.

“In the Under Armour case, I didn’t push but I let them know that I prefer Under Armour for a number of reasons. Part of which was the Nike pitch meeting was fraud and mistakes” said the agent during an interview. “For Stephen, this Under Armor opportunity is a chance for him that very few athletes ever get. A chance for him to be the face of the brand and to really take the brand and make it his own.’”

With Nike, Stephen Curry’s sneaker line would have been overshadowed by other brands. However, with Under Armour, his shoes stand out prominently. All thanks to Jeff Austin.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.