Derrick Rose (Image Credits: Imagn)
It was once believed that Derrick Rose would be the NBA’s future. In addition to signing a big contract with Adidas that was meant to make him one of the company’s biggest stars, he became the youngest player in history to win MVP. Some fans even argued that his story would have been more complete if Derrick Rose had retired as a Chicago Bulls player, cementing his legacy in the city where it all began.

Many people thought his shoes would become popular and influence sneaker culture. But due to injuries, bad designs, and changing trends, the deal was one of basketball’s biggest letdowns. Interestingly, Adidas had success elsewhere, proving that big-money investments could still work—like when James Harden’s $200 million Adidas deal turned into a gamble that paid off.

Why Was Derrick Rose’s Shoe Deal Such A Big Deal?

Derrick Rose’s Adidas shoes (Image Credits: Imagn)
Derrick Rose signed one of the most expensive shoe deals in NBA history with Adidas in 2012. The deal was worth one hundred eighty-five million dollars over fourteen years.

Rose was considered the league’s future at the time and was the youngest player to win MVP. Fans thought that his signature shoes, known as the D Rose line, would gain a lot of popularity.

As part of the deal, Adidas even committed to paying his brother and his best friend their annual salaries. The agreement changed Rose’s life, and Adidas saw it as the ideal opportunity to reach young fans and take on other well-known companies.

What Went Wrong After The Contract Began?

Derrick Rose (Image Credits: Getty Images)

One of the worst injuries a basketball player can sustain is a torn ACL, which Rose sustained just months after signing the contract. He missed a lot of time on the court due to the injury, and even after he got back, he continued to get injured.

As a result of these setbacks, he found it challenging to perform frequently and showcase his abilities. The enthusiasm surrounding his shoes began to decrease since fans could no longer witness him dominate games as they once could.

Adidas had anticipated that he would be their biggest star, but sales suffered when he wasn’t playing. The deal appeared risky and expensive because the company still had to pay him the entire amount.

The Impact Of The Deal

Derrick Rose (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Looking back, a lot of people consider this deal to be among the worst in shoe history. Despite spending a lot of money, Adidas did not achieve the success it had hoped for. Rose kept playing in the NBA and had some successful games, but he was unable to maintain his position at the top due to injuries.

Fans also criticized his shoes’ quality and design, claiming that they lacked the spark that made other signature shoes so well-liked. Although Rose’s career still motivates many people, others frequently remember his Adidas line more for its unfulfilled potential than for its actual achievements.

Companies now use the deal as an example to illustrate how unpredictable sports can be when they invest heavily in a single athlete.