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In the world of shoes and endorsements, there is some major drama unfolding, as Chicago native Dwyane Wade reportedly will leave the Jordan Brand.
Hearing from several people that Dwyane Wade will likely leave Jordan Brand and sign with Li-Ning. Huge shift.
— Nick DePaula (@_NDP) August 17, 2012
This would be the third shoe brand in Wade's career. The drama started a while back, according to DePaula.
Wade signed on with the understanding that he would be the lone man to lead the annual Air Jordan shoe each February, a huge undertaking and passing of the torch for a guy who grew up on the south side of Chicago and as a teen idolized MJ during the Bulls' legendary '90s run. Once Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and others rocked the Air Jordan 2010 during Wade's very first All-Star Weekend with the brand, the plan seemed to already be in disarray and the relationship more fractured than anyone wanted to admit at the time.
Some notable players with Chinese brand Li-Ning include Baron Davis and Evan Turner.
For more on Wade and the Miami Heat, check out Hot Hot Hoops. For more on local hoops products, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago.