Nike, adidas battle over Aussie phenomenon Ben Simmons

GIANTS Nike and adidas are trying to woo potential superstar Ben Simmons this week — but his up and down season could cost him millions.

The battle is on to secure Ben Simmons.

WITH the NBA Draft lottery less than two weeks away, it appears Nike and adidas are trying to lock up potential superstar Ben Simmons this week.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the will meet with adidas on Thursday in Los Angeles and sit down with Nike over the weekend.

Simmons, a 2.08m (6ft 10in) forward who displayed his all-around game during his one season at Louisiana State University, is expected to be taken in the top five of this year’s draft. According to the report, Simmons and Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul are hoping to make a decision between the two companies by the end of next week on a shoe deal, ahead of the May 17 draft lottery.

Both companies reportedly will offer Simmons a five-year deal that would be similar to former No. 1 picks Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Davis and John Wall.

“For comparison, the two largest recent rookie shoe contracts of this decade were given to Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in 2014, by adidas for $2.2 million over five years, and Wall, the No. 1 pick in 2010, by Reebok, which paid him a $2.5 million base over five years, along with several incentive bonuses,” the report read.

Simmons had an up and down season at LSU.

Simmons’ inconsistent year with the Tigers is expected to cost him in this deal, which is expected to fall well short of the rookie contracts LeBron James ($90 million) and Kevin Durant ($60 million) received from Nike.

Paul also represents LeBron James, who has been affiliated with Nike his entire NBA career. That is expected to give Nike a competitive advantage in the negotiations if the deals are somewhat similar.

Adidas’ deal is expected to be stronger overall, however, in terms of annual base, compensation and achievable incentives.

“Neither brand is expected to offer a signature shoe to Simmons, but would plan to offer Simmons custom-coloured versions, known as player exclusives, of their statement-level team shoes,” the report added.

While at LSU, Simmons wore Nike’s LeBron 13 and LeBron Soldier shoes.

In what has been dubbed a strategic move, the 19-year-old has been alternating between Nike and adidas shoes in media appearances and on social media since leaving school.

Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season with LSU, shooting 56 percent from the floor and 33 percent from deep.