After signing a deal with adidas in 2018, Trae Young was able to negotiate a signature sneaker line for himself in 2020. The first pair, the Trae Young 1, launched in Fall 2021, and since then, we’ve seen a new sneaker launch each fall season. However, Sole Retriever previously reported that the upcoming Trae Young 4 would be the final signature sneaker from Young’s adidas line. Amid all this, Young was spotted during practice for his Atlanta Hawks not in an adidas sneaker but in ANTA's Shockwave 5 Pro.
ANTA’s Shockwave 5 Pro was a favorite of Kyrie Irving between his signing and the debut of the ANTA Kai 1, with many colorways coming forward in collaboration with Irving. After this image emerged online, Sole Retriever spoke with sources at ANTA who confirmed that the brand "is having conversations" with Trae Young. As for his agreement with adidas, it was reported in 2020 that he restructured and extended his initial four-year contract signed in 2018, so the deal may expire in 2025.
According to anonymous sources within the company, adidas Basketball has shifted its focus and resources to Anthony Edwards and his signature lineup, leaving many athletes feeling disgruntled. Could this be the reason Trae chose to rock ANTA footwear? We’ve also heard rumblings about the lack of sales from the Trae Young line, explaining why adidas may not be keen on keeping the Atlanta Hawks star.
ANTA has aggressively expanded its influence in the US market, as they already host star talents like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. What drew both of them to ANTA was creative freedom and the spotlight being shone on them. Unlike adidas and Nike, which have rosters packed with the biggest stars on the planet, ANTA allows its athletes to receive individualized attention. All of this may appeal to Young as the attention is on Anthony Edwards at The Three Stripes.
Though Trae Young’s future sneaker deal remains uncertain, being in talks with ANTA as he nears the end of his contract with adidas points to him possibly joining the Chinese sportswear brand.
Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world, including new releases, raffles, news, and more.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
