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Can Julius Randle's Skechers deal redefine basketball shoe endorsements, or is it a risky gamble?

“I just love the game of basketball, honestly,” Julius Randle said back in 2015, sharing what fueled him through the tough days of his recovery. Now, nine years and four teams later, that love for the game still drives him. Basketball gave Randle not only fame but also a platform to showcase his resilience and talent, qualities that were nurtured in a family raised by his single mother. Through years of dedication and hard work, he has built a legacy on the court and earned a comfortable financial foundation that will support him well beyond his playing days.

With that, let’s dive into Randle’s career earnings and the impressive financial growth he’s achieved.

What is Julius Randle’s Net Worth?

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Currently, Minnesota Timberwolves power forward/center Naz Reid boasts a net worth of approximately $25 million. This figure places him in a similar financial tier to players like Scottie Pippen and Jordan Clarkson, with Clarkson also holding a $25 million net worth. According to Media Referee, Clarkson ranks as the 73rd wealthiest NBA player of all time, showcasing just how Reid’s financial success aligns him with some prominent names in the league.

Randle’s major source of income has been the contracts that the player has signed throughout his decade-long career. When he first arrived in the league as the 7th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he commanded a larger contract than the majority of the athletes of his class because he was a first-round pick. The Los Angeles Lakers provided him with a 4-year deal that would yield him $13.5 million over the period. The player initially seemed to hit a speed bump in his chances of getting a worthwhile extension. After all, within only just 14 minutes of official NBA playing time, Randle injured his right tibia, which caused the officials to rule him out for the rest of the season. Fortunately, he made up for his absence during the next three seasons by averaging 11.3, 13.2, and 16.1 points respectively.

The player had the chance to opt for a player option as his contract came to a close. However, Julius Randle refused the same and became a free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans only provided him with a contract that would last 2 years.  The $17.7 million he received over the time period, however, was a higher average salary than what his rookie contract gave out.

The New York Knicks built upon that after the NBA star once again rejected his player option to become a free agent. He was taken back in 2019, as part of the franchise’s recruitment process that brought in four other players: Wayne Ellington, Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, and Bobby Portis. Randle was provided with a 3-year contract that would provide him, wait for it, $62.1 million over the period. As a result, for the 2020-21 NBA tournament, the player ended up commanding the 52nd-highest pay of the season.

 

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Can Julius Randle's Skechers deal redefine basketball shoe endorsements, or is it a risky gamble?

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The Knicks were the first team with whom Julius Randle secured an extension deal. Following his selection to the All-NBA Second Team in 2021, a salary increase was anticipated, and in August of that year, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Randle signed a 4-year, $117 million extension, averaging an annual salary of $29.27 million. Now, the Timberwolves are responsible for the remaining portion of this contract after acquiring both Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in an offseason trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks.

What are the other sources of income for Julius Randle?

Shoe Deal

Like many rising players seen as promising marketing assets, Julius Randle signed with Nike early in his career. After officially partnering with the brand in 2012, he was often spotted wearing sneakers from Kobe Bryant’s or Paul George’s signature collections. Yet, Randle had aspirations beyond showcasing other players’ shoes; he wanted a signature line of his own. Inspired by how Nike transformed the sneaker world with Michael Jordan’s line, Randle hoped for a similar opportunity.

Although Nike didn’t grant him a personal line, Skechers seized the moment in October 2023 by signing Randle, alongside Terance Mann, as official brand ambassadors. This marked a milestone, making them the first NBA players to compete in Skechers basketball shoes. Reflecting on his choice, Randle shared, “For me, it was bigger than basketball. The opportunity to kinda trailblaze a new shoe in the basketball game and build with Skechers… it’s something outside the box, something I might not get to do at Nike or Jordan.” The success of this partnership—and Randle’s earnings from it—will hinge on his performance in the upcoming season, adding weight to his role in promoting the brand.

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JD Sports

In 2021, Julius Randle and his son, Kyden, teamed up with JD Sports in a unique endorsement deal. Not only did the partnership bring Randle on board, but it also positioned Kyden as the face of JD Sports Kids, adding a family-centric touch to the brand’s sportswear and apparel promotions.

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Earlier in his career, in 2016, Randle also signed with Mountain Dew, becoming a familiar face in several of their commercials. Additionally, his portfolio includes partnerships with Levi’s, Vroom, and Celsius, all contributing significantly to his financial success. These endorsements have bolstered his net worth, securing him a place among the NBA’s Top 100 wealthiest players.

As a 3-time NBA All-Star, Randle still envisions at least a decade left in his NBA career. Now with the Timberwolves, he’s expressed a strong interest in a long-term future with the team. Coupled with his All-NBA Third Team selection in 2023, Randle may well be in line for another contract extension, reflecting both his impact on the court and his marketability off it.

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