Ever since taking a pay cut and signing a $157 million deal with the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has become a subject of mockery. First, it was Paul Pierce who made sarcastic remarks on the situation, citing “under the table” perks, considering the reduced amount of money. Now it’s Nike who reportedly snatched away another earning opportunity from the competitive point guard. Brunson delivered 28.7 points last season and 6.7 assists. He was the one driving the Knicks against the Pacers alone on the court after the NY side’s injury woes. Yet Nike snubbed him, as he attempts making his legacy in the sneaker space.

As per @BigKnickEnergy_ on X, Nike has opted out of developing a signature shoe line for Jalen Brunson. Rather, the apparel company will provide him with his unique Player Exclusive sneaker. Well, what’s implied with Nike’s update here is that Jalen Brunson will not get his personal shoe line like MJ, LeBron, or Kobe. But he’ll get a unique design for himself derived from existing signature shoes.

For most of his stint at the league, Jalen Brunson had preferred Kobes. He has also donned Sabrina 1 while playing against the Clippers. So, it is expected that Nike might give Brunson’s PE’s design mood-board would be somewhere similar to the Nike Kobes. However, it will affect the payout for the player as well, since he’ll not get a line of unique shoes for himself.

Being the star of a city like New York is not a small thing, and Nike has snatched away the player’s chance to make his name. That’s what irked the NBA fans as they charged on Nike and suggested Brunson knock on another door to make his legacy permanent.

Fans think Nike has “dropped the ball”, as they suggest Jalen Brunson joins forces with Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson’s mission!

After taking charge as the Reebok President in October last year, Shaquille O’Neal is hell-bent on bringing basketball back to the brand. During Reebok’s golden era in the ’90s, Shaq and Allen Iverson were the ones who revived the footwear’s brand spirit. That’s why AI came in to join Big Diesel as the Vice President. “Listen, we’re getting back into basketball. And I want everyone in here to understand there are no excuses. Everyone needs to be 100% in on this because I’m 100% in on this,” the TNT host said.

Considering the sheer competition and how Nike has just left a gem out, the NBA community came together to get Shaq and A.I. together with Reebok. It will be a win-win situation for Jalen Brunson as well as the footwear brand. Envisioning the same thought, one of the fans commented on the X post, “Brunson sign with Reebok and get paid my man. F**k Nike man.”

With Shaq’s “make noise” mission for Reebok, Jalen Brunson is the perfect opportunity for the footwear brand to cement its ambitions with a strong foundation. JB is the one who awoke Championship hopes among New York fans single-handedly. So even getting him a lucrative deal might not be a gamble for Shaq and A.I.

The same opinion flowed on other Threads as well, a fan commented, “This is when Shaq & A.I. should swoop in & make a Brunson Reebok,they need a big signing & if the shoe is fire in royal & orange it’ll fly off the shelves especially with the Shaq & A.I. co-sign….”

One of the fans on X seemed like a true Jalen Brunson fanatic as he explored another idea, but not the Shaq and A.I. one. The netizen commented on X, “Nike done fu*ked up now hello @adidas.” JB, considering the cut-throat market, might not stand out in an already blazing list of NBA athletes like Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Damian Lillard at Adidas.

Another fan pointed out the vision that Nike is lacking. JB is already a big deal in the NBA with his IQ and decision-making during the clutch moments. That’s why this user warned in his comment, stating, “Nike is making a huge mistake! JB is almost God-like in NY and he hasn’t even won anything yet. Wait till he wins us a ring!”

Despite the busy lifestyle in New York, fans still acknowledge Brunson. About five months ago, Jalen expressed his love for the city as well, “When I’m walking down the street in the City & I see a fan just say ‘Yo what’s up?’ & just keep it moving––I think that’s the coolest thing ever.” So, Shaq joining hands with the Knicks guard might skyrocket the sales in one of the largest cities in the world.

Sharing the aforementioned opinion, another fan on X warned the Nike as he posted, “@Nike you dropped the ball on this one..!!!!” Well, he was not wrong on this one since the NY Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals this year. Also, if it was not for the major breakdown because of the injury woes, they might have made it to the Conference Finals. After the pay cut that JB has taken to make the roster stronger, a Championship might not be too far from Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ reach.

After going through it all, it seems Nike is waiting for the right opportunity. It’s just a hunch, but they might be holding off until Jalen Brunson makes a big move or maybe has a hot streak in the league ahead. Whatever it is, for now, it’s an opportunity for Reebok’s revival under Shaq and A.I. Can they make the best of it? Do comment with your thoughts to let us know.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.