Darius Bazley, who announced last month that he was forgoing his college eligibility to enter the upcoming NBA G League draft, could supplement his pro salary with endorsement deals, but has not begun that process yet, he tells ESPN
"There's no shoe deal I'm considering," Bazley said. "I haven't been contacted by anybody yet."
By being the first player to skip college for the NBA's developmental league, Bazley is no longer beholden to the NCAA's amateurism rules, which means he could sign a sneaker deal - or any other type of endorsement deal - to add to the meager salary he'll earn in the G League, where players earn between $19,000 and $26,000 for the six-month season.
Bazley, a 6-foot-8 forward who was ninth in the ESPN 100 class of 2018 recruiting rankings, is expected to be drafted with the first overall pick by Salt Lake City in the G League draft, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. While the draft likely won't be held until October, Bazley could begin making money now with endorsement deals, but he remains focused on his on-court prospects.
"If the opportunity does present itself and I do have an agent by [the G League season], then we'll discuss things and try to get the best deal out of it for both sides," he said. "I'm still working on things agent wise with my family."
Past players in the one-and-done era who've bypassed the NCAA have signed lucrative endorsement deals during their pre-NBA pro seasons. Brandon Jennings, who played one professional season in Italy in 2008-09 signed a six-year deal with Under Armour that paid him $1 million a year at its peak.
More recently, eventual 2015 and 2017 first-round picks Emmanuel Mudiay and Terrance Ferguson signed similar deals with Under Armour ahead of their pro debut seasons in China and Australia, each earning hundreds of thousands off the court.
In each of those cases, the shoe deal was structured to pay less money during the lone initial season, with different tiers of an escalated pay scale depending on how high and which market the player was selected to in the NBA Draft the following year. Of course, the trio of Jennings, Mudiay and Ferguson each played a more electric style of play on the perimeter by that time in their career.
According to several brand sources, Bazley's game isn't as intriguing or marketable for a major shoe deal, though there is a curiosity surrounding him with the added visibility that his trailblazing decision could bring.
Over time, there'll be a plan in place to grow his social media presence and build his profile as a player, which could lead to multiple brand options.
Nike, Jordan, Adidas and Under Armour each have had their own annual All-Star games during the spring and summer windows, and Bazley has grown familiar with each brand during his high school career, wearing a variety of sneakers over that span. While he's open to all brands at the next level, Nike has ranked highest for him to date.
"I've always worn Nikes," said Bazley. "For me and the people I hang around, it's always been, 'Hey, I want those new Jordans!'"
Ditching the massive platform of the NCAA, a college scholarship and the potential to enjoy himself as a top program's star player is no longer a worry for Bazley. His decision has been made, and while many are curious to see what endorsements and branding opportunities come his way, he's less focused on the surrounding elements of the game, stressing the move was made purely for his development as a pro prospect looking towards the NBA.
"I just wanted people to know that it wasn't about the money," Bazley said. "It seemed like people understand."
