Consensus No. 1 prospect Cade Cunningham signs with Nike
Cade Cunningham, the consensus top prospect in this year's NBA draft, has signed a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Nike, he told ESPN's Nick DePaula on Tuesday.
Cunningham reportedly received the highest-earning shoe deal of his draft class.
"More than anything, they show that athletes are more than just athletes," Cunningham said. "They really put the right message out for people to see. That was important to me. ... I felt like it was a perfect match for me.
"We all can tell a Nike commercial as soon as they come on," he added. "Those things matter to me, and I want to be associated with a brand like that."
Cunningham is coming off an outstanding freshman year at Oklahoma State. He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 boards, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals over 27 appearances while shooting 40% from downtown.
The 19-year-old was named Big 12 Player of the Year and earned consensus first-team All-American honors.