It’s been a busy week for Puma.
Following this week’s news that Jay-Z will serve as President of Basketball Operations, the longtime sneaker brand announced that an all-time Knicks great will be a part of their family for the rest of their life.
New York Daily News reports that Walt “Clyde” Frazier will receive a lifetime contract with the German shoe company. Frazier was the first NBA player to sign with the company in 1973 when the Knicks captured the league title.
Frazier, a New York icon known now for his eccentric style and vocabulary, was the first NBA player to partner with Puma. He signed with the company that released his signature Clyde sneaker in 1973, the same year he helped the Knicks to their most recent NBA title.
The German company is heavily invested in Europe, but announced its return to the basketball endorsement world by signing Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III, both of whom are projected to be taken in the first five picks of Thursday’s NBA draft. Puma also signed former Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith, a projected lottery pick.
Puma commemorated the signing with the limited release of 73 pairs of signature Clydes at the Brooklyn Puma store.
The company’s acquisition of Ayton and Bagley marks their return to NBA sneaker business for the first time in 20 years.