First three NBA draft expected LaMelo Ball is concluding a deal with the shoe and apparel company Puma, second Shams Charania from The Athletic.
Ball is a 6-foot-7 point guard and the younger brother of the New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball. LaMelo Ball is expected to be drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors or Charlotte Hornets – the teams with the top three picks, respectively, in the next draft.
LaMelo would become the first member of his family to sign with a company other than the Big Baller brand.
Other NBA players who have had a sponsorship deal with Puma: Kyle Kuzma, Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, Danny Green, Kevin Knox, Michael Porter Jr., Terry Rozier is Zhaire Smith.
Ball turned 19 on August 22. He spent last season with the Illawarra Hawks of Australia and was named Rookie of the Year of the National Basketball League.
He spent his final amateur basketball season at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
The NBA draft is expected to take place mid to late October.
