By: Faisal Quyyumi, contributing intern (@_faisalquyyumi) After coming off a sizzling season and making a deep run in the playoffs, James Harden and the Houston Rockets seem poised to win the championship next season after a few vital off-season signings. Things seem to be getting brighter for the MVP runner-up James Harden, who just inked a massive $200 million contract with Adidas over the next 13 years. Once the deal is securely signed on October 1st, Harden will be tied with former MVP Derrick Rose for being the fourth highest endorsed NBA player of 2015 (trailing LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant, respectively). Rob Pelinka, Harden’s agent, confirmed on Thursday that Nike would not match Adidas’s offer. Until his contract expires with the Rockets, Harden will be making an extravagant $32.16 million annually ($16.78 million from the Rockets and $15.38 million from Adidas). In terms of basketball apparel, Nike absolutely annihilates other brands by holding about a 90-percent share within the U.S., while Adidas has less than three-percent of shares. After news of Harden signing to Adidas broke loose, Adidas spokesman Michael Ehrlich had only positive things too say about the 3 time NBA All-Star. James Harden’s “connection with fans is unparalleled and unprecedented and he can take the game, our brand and the industry to new heights.” Along with Derrick Rose, Damian Lillard, and John Wall, Harden and Adidas have the opportunity to help out-sell its competitors.
