Boston Celtics' forward Gordon Hayward has officially signed a four-year sneaker deal with Chinese sportswear brand Anta. Hayward reached an agreement with Anta a few weeks ago but Nike had a chance to exercise their "match clause" if they wanted to keep him on their roster.
The 28-year old All-Star made the announcement yesterday, revealing that his first signature sneaker - the Anta GH1 - will be launching sometime next Fall. ESPN's Nick DePaula reports that Hayward will be rocking a PE version of Klay Thompson's ANTA KT4 Low this season, while he continues to work with Anta on the GH1 design process for 2019.
Anta's familiarity with the Celtics is one of the reasons why a partnership with Hayward makes sense from a business standpoint. The brand's initial roster of signature athletes included Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, both of whom signed on after winning the 2008 NBA title which established "a connection for Anta fans with the team ever since," according to DePaula.
Hayward missed all of last season after fracturing his ankle just minutes in to the season-opener but he'll be ready to go tonight as the Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018-19 opener, airing on TNT at 8pm ET.