"To Li Ning, Mr. Jones's career seemed to fit its "anything is possible" slogan. It offered him the kind of shoe deal that Mr. Jones concedes would be nearly impossible for him to get from the likes of Nike or Adidas. The contract pays Mr. Jones an annual salary of between $200,000 and $300,000, and offers bonuses tied to personal and team performance, according to people familiar with the deal. That's small change compared with the $100 million that Nike agreed to pay Mr. James over seven years. But for many NBA players, a sneaker endorsement often means free gear and minimal money." source from Damon Jones website
It's pretty much guaranteed that Chuck would not get another chinese shoe contract, if he left the team. Chuck's shoe contract with Li Ning expires this year. Li Ning structured the shoe contract to coincide with his free agency. Shane Battier's NBA contract expires in 2010. China Peak Group gave a Battier a 3-yr shoe contract that expires the summer of 2010. Battier's contract was structured to coincide with his free agency.
Actually I checked the press release earlier today. Chuck's contract was actually a two year deal. here's the press from Li Ning from last December. http://www.lining.com/EN/press/inside-3_1_22.html
"Three of the strongest players," huh? Chuck, Shaq, Damon Jones Which one of these items are different from the others?
Hayesfan, Argh, I was going off an old press release. Thanks, man. I am sure Chuck and his agent have spoken to Li Ning about the possiblity of a new shoe contract, if the Rockets didn't sign him.
I actually thought it was a one year deal too, then someone asked me to find the press release and I saw it was a two year
do any of you guys think that Francis will be getting a shoe contract from china soon? I think that he will, easily he'll probably be the highest paid guy there.
I kinda do, kinda don't. I'm sure Chinese basketballers would like him because of he's not tall, but he doesn't do as much flashy stuff either. But who am I kidding, Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes are rockin' it up with endorsements there.
Li Ning's website says they also sponsor the Argentina National Team. Ginobili wears Li Ning during Argentina National Team contests. Luis Scola will be the next Rocket player to have a chinese shoe contract!
