C.J. McCollum could be the next player to leave Nike and sign with another shoe brand. The Portland Trail Blazers guard recently confirmed, via Jason Quick of NBC Sports, that he is currently in talks with Li Ning, as the Chinese brand is trying to sign him to become their latest endorser.

“In negotiations,’’ McCollum said.

Helping Li Ning reach out to him with a good pitch is McCollum’s teammate, Evan Turner, who has been with them since 2010. He gave their representatives some advice on how to talk to him, and make him interested in considering them as his next shoe and apparel sponsor.

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
Yang Hansen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Trail Blazers
Blazers rookie Yang Hansen drops all-time quote on life away from basketballZachary Howell ·
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1Rishav Bhat ·
Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Blazers make swift move on Arizona star after NBA DraftAlex House ·
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) and forward Grant Williams (12) react in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game five of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden.
Celtics’ trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depthBailey Bassett ·
Deandre Ayton photoshopped in Hornets jersey with number.
Hornets’ trade proposal for Deandre Ayton finds Mark Williams replacementBailey Bassett ·
Yang Hansen looks on after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Blazers GM reacts to ‘Chinese Jokic’ comp for shocking pickOwen Crisafulli ·

“I told (Li-Ning) if you want to talk to him, I wouldn’t come to him with a BS offer the first time around and close his ears off.’’ Turner said Wednesday.

“I guess they got the situation right, the money right, and I think CJ will be a great person for the brand.  He’s a talented individual on and off the court, so I think he will help the brand a lot.’’

It can be recalled that Li Ning rose to prominence when they signed their biggest star to date, Dwyane Wade, back in 2012, after his contract with Jordan brand expired. They are now starting to form their own team of endorsers, consisting of a good mix of young talents and NBA veterans as well.

For now, no deal has been struck yet, but it can be expected that McCollum will not remain a sneaker free agent for long, especially being the rising star that he is and being thought of as a very marketable player as well. All signs are also pointing to him agreeing to a partnership with Li Ning, as he already wore a pair of their shoes during their preseason opener on Tuesday.