Moritz Wagner is yet to step onto an NBA court but the Los Angeles Lakers rookie is already getting a payday. According to ESPN’s Nick DePaula, the University of Michigan product has agreed to an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand ahead of his rookie season.
LA Lakers 1st Round pick and former Michigan standout Moe Wagner has agreed to a multi-year shoe deal with Jordan Brand. pic.twitter.com/mR3gNbNO48
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 8, 2018
Wagner is not the most high-profile rookie in the 2018 NBA Draft Class but his status going from the star of one of the most prestigious college basketball programs (also sponsored by Jordan Brand) to a potential rotation piece on the Lakers is enough to gain him an early endorsement deal. That’s not to mention that newly signed Laker LeBron James will only increase his teammates’ profile.
Wagner did not have a stellar showing in Summer League but he did showcase some unexpected abilities, namely with his quick hands and reactions defensively. In three games in Las Vegas, Wagner averaged 10.3 points and eight rebounds per contest but shot a meager 37 percent from the field.
The Lakers have little depth at the center position with JaVale McGee expected to start. With a good preseason, Wagner could see himself getting the bulk of the backup minutes ahead of incumbent big man Ivica Zubac. For now, the 25th overall pick will be cashing checks from Michael Jordan.
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