12 July 2023 , 19:11
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Kyrie Irving has signed a new shoe deal with Chinese brand ANTA after being suspended from Nike last year following his anti-Semitic tweets.
Irving has penned a long-term deal with the company and has also been made Chief Creative Officer - with them looking to branch out to the United States after their rise in China.
The deal comes seven months after Irving was dumped by Nike after he shared the documentary 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,' which includes Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories about Jewish people.
The then Brooklyn Nets star refused to apologise initially, and even defended his decision to share the material - before being suspended by the team. Irving would eventually apologise to the Jewish community, the league and his former team, but Nike chose to end their partnership with him.
Irving and Nike had been partners for some time and the eighth official shoe - the Kyrie 8 - in his exclusive line was set to be released before Nike let go of him and pulled the plug.
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After being let go from Nike, Irving did not seem too bothered at the time - even celebrating his release. He tweeted: "Let the party begin." That post came just minutes after Irving also tweeted an image with the caption: "There's nothing more priceless than being free", suggesting he did not want to remain with Nike.
And in recent weeks, Irving claimed that he made billions for Nike - with his next shoe deal to exponentially aid whoever he signs with.
Kyrie Irving released a statement after his new shoe dealHe tweeted: "My signature line made the previous brand I was with over 2.6 Billion in revenue. I can safely say, I am one of them ones out here in the competitive shoe market, dominating.
"And not to be arrogant, Go Ask around, the kids that grew up wearing/buying my shoes know, respectfully that I am that guy because of the Support WORLDWIDE."
In a statement on Tuesday, after joining ANTA, Irving said: "The first step in becoming partners is to share the same dreams, goals, and missions.
"ANTA's rapid development over the years, openness to creativity, willingness to embrace family and teamwork, expertise in areas like product innovation and manufacturing processes have left a remarkable impression on not just me, but also my A11Even team who will work side by side with me in creating something truly generationally special."
After leaving Nike last season, Irving covered the Nike logo on his trainers with black tape, while writing the message "I am free" on the side of his shoes.
Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season, and signed a long-term extension to remain with the team this summer.