Despite $50 Million Gain From Nike, Unhappy Devin Booker’s Move to Shaquille O’Neal’s Reebok Unlikely

Just 2 months ago, O’Neal returned to Reebok as the President of Basketball operations. Since then he has already signed LSU star Angel Reese to bolster the brand. In an attempt to further expand the brand’s reach, Big Diesel recently set his sights on Devin Booker. Within a few days, the Phoenix Suns star found himself at the center of swirling speculations regarding a potential move to Shaquille O’Neal‘s Reebok.

Devin Booker has been signed with Nike since his debut in the league. Despite this history, Shaq did not hesitate to shoot his shot with the 27-year-old guard. Sharing an old collage of the duo where both are holding their sneakers to their ear, O’Neal wrote, “Hey @dbook. I know y’all aren’t happy with the sneaker launch. You should come with @reebok.We just getting started. Hit me.” Here is the post shared.

Complex’s latest report seemed to suggest discontentment in Nike and Booker’s collaboration. It specifically highlighted some issues of the brand with the handling of his signature shoe line, ‘D Book 1,’. Though Devin Booker has commented on some issues he has with Nike’s early launches, Booker also quashed the rumors, reaffirming his satisfaction with the overall deal.

More importantly, his latest deal with Nike should also removed any doubt. Back in 2018, Booker signed a headline-grabbing 5-year $50 million extension with Nike, which was extended again in 2022. According to the deal, he is contracted to continue collaborations with the brand through until 2029.

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Despite the compelling offer from Shaq, Devin Booker might not be able to accept the legend’s offer for more reasons than one. Apart from O’Neal, there’s another Lakers legend who had a keen interest in the shooting guard. Kobe Bryant might be part of the reason for Book’s continued loyalty to the shoe giant.

Kobe Bryant inspired Devin Booker to “be legendary”

Phoenix Suns star Booker’s partnership with Nike might have a more emotional connection as well. Before he had his own sneakers, D-Book would almost exclusively play in Kobes. During his farewell season, Bryant gave a personal honor to Booker during his last game in Phoenix. The 18x All-Star signed Booker’s game-worn shoes with the words “Be Legendary.” The #13 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft would eventually get the words tattooed on his arm.

Kobe Bryant made history donning his first signature sneakers, the Zoom Kobe 1, during a game against the Toronto Raptors to dish out an astonishing 81 points. The collaborators at Nike often stated how the 5x NBA champion was uniquely involved with the brand and the development of the sneakers. No other player was as connected to the design as the Black Mamba.

Much like his idol Bryant, Booker might have had the same dream to recreate history. He even called his Kobe-inspired shoes, ‘Nike Book 1’ as a “dream come true.” So it’s only fitting for the star player to continue his trajectory with Nike.

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While Devin Booker is not likely to join Shaquille O’Neal’s Reebok team, the offer is indeed compelling. Would you like to see Booker with Nike till the end of his career? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.