After first signing with Puma in 2018 to help relaunch its basketball category, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has landed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal to continue his partnership with the brand.

"It's pretty lit. It's truly a blessing as well," Ayton said. "The reason I signed with Puma from the beginning, is I wanted to be different."

Source: Nick DePaula of ESPN

ANALYSIS: DePaula went on to report that, "the new deal, negotiated by agent Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports Group, is expected to place Ayton among the league's top-three highest paid athletic brand endorsers at the center position. Puma has been finding its footing in the hoop space after a nearly two-decade hiatus from landing any NBA endorsers, and Ayton has long had an affinity and familiarity with the company."

DePaula added that a key component of Ayton's new Puma extension will be designating a sizable budget allotment for community activations and giveback events.

"We're a giving family. Growing up, you're not coming to my house without leaving with a full belly,"-Deandre Ayton (via ESPN).