Kyrie Irving signs signature shoe deal, becomes executive of ANTA

Kyrie Irving's signature shoe will live on.

On Tuesday, the NBA star announced a deal with Chinese sportswear company ANTA to continue his sneaker legacy. Not only will he have a signature shoe, but he joins the brand as Chief Creative Officer in a partnership that will establish a series of youth camps in the United States and China.

"I will push our teams domestically and internationally to unite like minded Trailblazers who have the vision to create and build their craft to transcend the footwear/Apparel industry for generations to come," Irving said in a Twitter post. "This is truly a full circle moment that I will not take for granted nor under appreciate given the many obstacles it took to get here. This Partnership is for all of those who want to change the world. Join me on the journey. This is #Biggerthanashoedeal"

Boardroom reports that Irving, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal to stay with the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month, will wear ANTA's Shock Wave 5 sneaker until his first signature shoe with the brand is ready. It is projected to release in the first quarter of 2024. His contract with ANTA is for five years.

“In addition to an array of signature collections designed to enhance performance and inspire athletes of all levels, our groundbreaking and revolutionizing partnership will also encompass a range of collaborative initiatives to support everyone devoted to the game of basketball and promote an inclusive basketball culture,” ANTA said in a statement to the publication.

Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward are also ANTA athletes.

Irving was previously signed to Nike for his signature sneaker line. The company cut the eight-time NBA All-Star in December after he made controversial remarks about an antisemitic film. Irving's representative said the split was "mutually decided."

Starting in 2014, Nike released seven editions of Irving's signature shoe and was set to release an eighth with his contract expiring in October.

Earlier this month, Irving claimed that his products made Nike $2.6 billion over the seven years he was with them.

As a sneaker free agent, Irving showed support to former teammate Langston Galloway, who created his own brand, Ethics. Irving debuted the lgTWO sneaker during a shootaround in March, shortly after a trade sent him to the Mavericks.

“I wanted to show him some love,” Irving told ESPN's Tim MacMahon of supporting Galloway.

"To see another athlete that cherishes sneakers, he has his own line that he was running and now to be able to show some love to a businessman, an entrepreneur, a pioneer in the space, I really appreciate all that support," Galloway told USA TODAY Sports in April. "Because our brand is all about 'for the players and by the players.' "

Irving also wore his Nike shoes with tape over the swoosh and various messages about freedom.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyrie Irving signs signature shoe deal with ANTA, becomes executive