Zion Williamson Duke
Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils watches his team during the second half of their game at against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 05, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 71-70. Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Zion Williamson just recently signed the biggest rookie shoe deal in NBA history. The 19-year-old basketball phenom's new deal almost surpasses Lebron James' original contract in 2003.

According to ESPN, the deal is within the "nine-figure" range, while other brand's offers exceeded $10 million per year. The no. 1 overall pick from Salisbury, North Carolina, is considered as one of the NBA's biggest draws, arguably since Lebron's entry in 2003.

Williamson said that he feels "incredibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand family." He added that since he was a kid, Michael Jordan was "one of those athletes that I looked up to."

He joins Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Jimmy Butler as endorsers for the brand."

In the history of the NBA, there are only ten other players to have been given $10 million in their rookie seasons. These players are:

  1. Tracy McGrady, 6 years / $12 Million / Adidas
  2. Marvin Bagley, 5 years / $12 Million / Puma
  3. Ben Simmons, 5 years / ~$13-15 Million / Nike
  4. John Wall, 5 years / $25 Million / Rebook
  5. Grant Hill, 5 years / ~$30 Million / Fila
  6. Carmelo Anthony, 6 years / $40 Million / Jordan
  7. Vince Carter, 10 years / $50 Million / Puma
  8. Allen Iverson, 10 years / $60 Million / Rebook
  9. Kevin Durant, 7 years / $60 Million / Nike
  10. LeBron James, 7 years / $87M + $10M Bonus/ Nike

In 1997, Tracy McGrady was offered $12 Million by Adidas for a six-year contract. The athletic shooting guard was then traded to the Orlando Magic, that's when the former All-Star released his best selling signature shoes. Marvin Bagley was given the same amount in 2018 on a five-contract.

In 2016, Ben Simmons inked a $13-15 Million commitment to Nike for five years, while John Wall had the 7th biggest deal with his 5-year contract $25 Million for Rebook.

Grant Hill agreed to a 5-year $30 Million fee from Fila, while Carmelo Anthony settled for a $40 Million 6-year package from the Jordan Brand.

Vince Carter entered 1998 with a 10-year $50 Million agreement with Puma. In 1996 Allen Iverson signed with Rebook for $60 Million decade sheet, while Kevin Durant was exclusive to Nike thanks to his 7-year $60 Million commitment.

LeBron James is the only other rookie to have signed a deal that nearly eclipses the $100 million mark. In 2003, "The King," debuted with a seven-year $97 million deal with Nike.

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