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by Brandon Richard
Confirming one of the preseason's worst kept secrets, Kemba Walker has officially left Under Armour for Jordan Brand. The two agreed to part mutually after the original contract expired last month.
Kemba Walker confirms he has switched his shoe deal from Under Armour to Jordan Brand.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 10, 2015
Walker signed a multi-year deal with Under Armour as a rookie in 2011. Throughout his four seasons as a member of the Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets, he's worn several Player Exclusives, but never quite made it to signature sneaker level. Now he has a chance to represent team owner Michael Jordan's brand, even though NBA rules "prohibit" Jordan from influencing who the brand does and doesn't sign. Nabbing the face of his franchise was clearly a priority for the CEO, though.
Though Under Armour is thriving with Stephen Curry and has a potential rookie of the year candidate in Emmanuel Mudiay, losing Walker is no small deal. The point guard is starting to find his groove as a pro and could be a future All-Star. He's averaged more than 17 points and 5 assists for the past three seasons.
Walker joins teammates Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky on the Team Jordan roster. A few of his Jordan moments from the preseason below: