“I don’t really do too many podcasts… interviews, I rarely do them… I look forward to clearing up some misconceptions and addressing some things in the past,” said Jaylen Brown in the 2024 off-season. Since then, the reigning Finals MVP has been moving the needle consistently in the NBA world. Following his heated back-and-forth with Nike, the Boston Celtics forward has emerged stronger than ever. In his latest interview, the star took a dig at the sneaker brand and slam-jammed on LeBron James. 

Long story short, Brown has had beef with Nike since he stood up for Kyrie Irving during the alleged anti-semantic documentary controversy in 2022. It came down to a point where several reports linked the multi-billion dollar brand to the star’s 2024 Paris Olympic snub. And when a reporter asked him if Nike was involved in snubbing his Olympics spot, the 28-year-old said, “I do, for sure. There be more stuff to come with that.” 

While we are yet to hear about “more stuff”, Jaylen Brown opened up in the latest interview with Sports Illustrated. He started, by saying, “Conflicts with the sneaker industry conflicts with athletes being you know viewed as numb jocks… there are personal stories. I don’t feel the need to share those” Even though Brown felt it wasn’t the right time, he offered a “gist”. And this is where LeBron James received a beating.

“Industry is definitely cut back its funding in its resources towards athletes for whatever reason. The creativity has been a little bit dull and you know athletes’ value isn’t being reciprocated or respected in today’s time,” added Brown, calmly collecting his thoughts. However, he felt there were a few exceptions. “Obviously a few athletes are getting the luxuries of having great deals but you know you can list those few on both hands,” said the Celt’s star.

He didn’t mention Bron’s name openly, but he is the brand’s golden boy. Notably, Bron allegedly signed a lifetime deal with Nike. Can’t blame him, he’s a generational talent. The superstar has had a longstanding partnership with the brand since. In fact, it ultimately became the foundation for the empire that he managed to erect. And became the first active NBA baller to join the billionaire club. 

However, Brown had a piece of advice to his thriving fellow athletes, urging them to create their own brands, saying, “I think gives the power back to the athlete.” And he also added, “If you still want to go sign with Nike or Adidas there no problem with that.” Anyway, as someone who has broken the chain and introduced his own sneaker brand, Brown has begun to collect the dividends. 

Jaylen Brown announced his first-ever brand partnership

You must have seen Jaylen Brown rocking the ‘Over-The-Top sunglasses from Circa 2000’ a few times in the past. It did give him a cool look and also positioned him as someone who isn’t a yesman. Yeah, that’s right. While many felt that the star would go under the rubble, he seemed to have broken free.

Last year, Stephen A. Smith dropped a major hammer on Brown, calling him a less marketable player. The veteran analyst also had a reason behind it. He said people did not “just” like Brown, “because of his ‘I am better than you’ attitude.” However, the rising superstar didn’t let this slide. Brown hit Smith back with thumping X post, writing, “State the Source”. Guess what? It went on to become a success that he slapped it on a shirt.

Anyway, where did this all drama lead to? It led to Jaylen Brown becoming a marketable player. He signed his first-ever brand partnership with Oakley, the luxury eyewear brand. It’s truly an inspiring journey. However, the star hasn’t revealed the entire Nike story yet. When will it drop? After his retirement? Or maybe after winning another ring? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.