Thanks to his early basketball talent, Deandre Ayton moved to the United States at age 12. In recent years, Puma has aggressively re-entered the basketball market, and according to Cricket Exchange, Ayton is now the latest high-profile rookie to sign with the brand. He joins Marvin Bagley and Zhaire Smith, both first-round prospects who recently signed similar deals. Sources say Puma has extended offers to at least six projected first-round picks, aiming to establish a bold new presence in the NBA.
Ayton, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in his draft class, is more than just a promising talent—he’s become the face of Puma’s basketball revival. The brand’s partnership with NBA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier, a New York Knicks icon from the 1970s and the first NBA player to endorse Puma, adds a nostalgic edge to their modern campaign. Ayton echoed that legacy, saying, “If it helps me play like Clyde, I’m wearing it.”
He described his first time wearing Puma sneakers as a revelation—lightweight and freeing, as if he were wearing nothing at all. That comfort, he said, boosted his confidence on the court. At the University of Arizona, Ayton averaged 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, dominating as a freshman and solidifying his position as a top pick.
Although multiple brands vied for his endorsement, Ayton found Puma’s offer and vision compelling—especially as the brand looks to rebuild its basketball identity. Puma had once signed Vince Carter in 1998 but faded from the court shortly after. This year, however, marks a strategic and ambitious return. Signing Bagley, Smith, and now Ayton—three first-rounders—is a strong signal of intent.
While Puma’s influence in basketball has been limited in recent years, its global presence remains undeniable. Track superstar Usain Bolt, one of the fastest men in history, has long represented the brand. Ayton noted that growing up in the Bahamas, he frequently saw Puma’s logo and products, especially on athletes like Bolt. “To be under the same banner as someone I’ve looked up to for years means a lot,” Ayton said in an interview.
Ayton’s four-year, multi-million-dollar endorsement deal is more than just a business decision—it’s a symbolic step in carving his own path. Like any rising star with something to prove, he’s ready to leave his mark—both on the hardwood and beyond.