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We’re still not quite in the free agency period following the New York Knicks championship win next weekend. But sneaker free agency is in full force. And the first major chip to fall is Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins The Nike Family
The two-time MVP had been linked to the converse brand since 2020. But now he is set to join the sneaker industry’s biggest juggernaut, Nike. After being signed to them for his first two seasons in the league, Shai returns to the swoosh as a signature athlete. And the sneaker giant couldn’t be happier about landing the sneaker industry’s biggest free agent.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nike
Basketball signature family. Coming after back-to-back MVP seasons, we are excited to build on Shai’s incredible impact with Converse as one of the most creative leaders in the game,” Nike said in an exclusive statement.
In an exclusive statement provided to Complex, Nike welcomed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nike signature family ✔️
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) June 16, 2026
📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/0KdvX8O1xE
As the reigning two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai joins an already stacked roster of signature athletes. Such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker.
Shai also has close ties to the brand. He is close with his fellow countryman, Drake, who also has a tattoo of Shai’s Thunder jersey on his arm. His Oklahoma City teammate, Chet Holmgren, is also inked to the brand. Though there are currently no plans for him to receive a signature sneaker.
Last season, Shai averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game en route to the second NBA MVP of his career. And his Shai Converse 001 had become a major part of that story. It will be interesting to see what Nike has in store for the NBA star in 2026.
