The Utah Jazz secured a major offensive boost in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Kansas’ Darryn Peterson No. 2 overall.
Shortly after the franchise-altering pick, news broke that Peterson inked a historic rookie shoe deal with Adidas, fueling confidence in the score-first guard’s chances of thriving at the next level.
Darryn Peterson’s ‘Massive Long-Term’ Shoe Deal With Adidas Sparks Buzz
Peterson’s talent is undeniable, as PFSN billed him as a “true three-level scoring threat” who “uses his smooth dribbling to create space, score well off the dribble, and hit jump shots with confidence” entering Tuesday’s draft. Additionally, the 19-year-old’s “balanced style and smart decisions make him effective as a playmaker.”
Still, Peterson comes with durability questions, having dealt with nagging cramping issues throughout his freshman year with the Jayhawks. Adidas doesn’t appear overly concerned, though, as evidenced by its major backing of the newest member of the Jazz.
Per NBA footwear industry expert Nick DePaula, “Peterson has signed a massive long-term deal with Adidas to headline the next generation of the brand.” DePaula added that “the total value commitment makes the explosive wing scorer’s Adidas contract a Top 5 richest rookie shoe deal in NBA history.”
BREAKING: #2 Draft pick Darryn Peterson has signed a massive long-term deal with Adidas to headline the next generation of the brand. 📄✍️
The total value commitment makes the explosive wing scorer’s Adidas contract a Top 5 richest rookie shoe deal in NBA history, per sources. pic.twitter.com/EIiwC52Sj4
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 24, 2026
With Adidas seemingly fully buying the hype surrounding the 6-foot-6 guard, who averaged 20.2 points per game in college, the NBA community on X took note.
“Big money for a big star,” NBA Hoops Online wrote.
Big money for a big star
— NBA Hoops Online (@NBABoards) June 24, 2026
“Shoe companies don’t hand out deals like this unless they believe you’re the future. The expectations just got even higher,” content creator DarkInk pointed out.
Shoe companies don’t hand out deals like this unless they believe you’re the future. The expectations just got even higher.
— DarkInk (@darkink0_0) June 24, 2026
“Mini Kawhi [Leonard], well deserved,” another user applauded.
Mini Kawhi, well deserved pic.twitter.com/bpCufZI2Zc
— Jack Cousins (@jackcuz5) June 24, 2026
“Darryn Peterson will become the best Adidas athlete in Utah Jazz history,” Jazz podcaster Art Cummings predicted.
Darryn Peterson will become the best Adidas athlete in Utah Jazz history https://t.co/PEgeH2JMug
— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 24, 2026
As for Peterson, DePaula relayed the big-name prospect’s appreciation for Adidas’ resounding endorsement.
“I am grateful for the belief and trust that Adidas has in me,” Peterson said. “They were the first to commit to me and showed how much they still believe in me with this new deal. I am a loyal person and am excited to stay in the Adidas family.”
DePaula added that the historic deal continues the sides’ fruitful partnership.
“In 2023, Peterson became the first-ever high school basketball athlete to sign a NIL deal with Adidas at just 16 years old, continued with the brand at Kansas in college, and now enters the NBA as a future face of the company,” DePaula shared.
“I am grateful for the belief and trust that Adidas has in me,” says Darryn Peterson. “They were the first to commit to me and showed how much they still believe in me with this new deal. I am a loyal person and am excited to stay in the Adidas family.”
In 2023, Peterson became… https://t.co/3zotuo1XHz
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 24, 2026
Peterson has drawn lofty comparisons, most notably to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, who is revered as an all-time great scorer. Adidas’ major financial commitment will only heighten expectations for Peterson entering his rookie season with Utah.
