SOURCE SPORTS: Jimmy Butler Parts Ways With Jordan Brand

Jimmy Butler and the Jordan Brand mutually agreed to end their sneaker endorsement contract 10 months early, industry sources told Nick DePaula of ESPN.

BREAKING: Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler and Jordan Brand have mutually parted ways, making him the highest profile current sneaker free agent.

Butler is now expected to begin negotiations with all brands for a new multi-year sneaker deal.https://t.co/FMi9shCplG

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) January 2, 2020

Butler is expected to negotiate a multiyear endorsement deal with multiple sneaker brands and may sign a new deal before All-Star Weekend.

Butler originally joined Jordan Brand from Adidas in 2014.

Sneaker companies are expected to be interested in signing Butler as a featured endorser. 

Although it’s unclear what brands will be the most aggressive in pursuing the four-time All-Star, DePaula suggested it’s possible Heat legend Dwyane Wade could make a push to have him join the Way of Wade brand, which is an offshoot from Chinese apparel company Li-Ning.

Butler is enjoying a terrific first season with the Heat. He’s averaged 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.0 steals across 29 appearances to help lead the team to a 24-9 record, which is the third-best mark in the Eastern Conference.

It should put him in a strong negotiating position as he begins the hunt for a new endorsement deal.