D’Angelo Russell reportedly close to deal with Chinese Way of Wade brand

Not all NBA-related developments out of China are negative.

Chinese shoe company Li-Ning brand Way of Wade is pushing to have a deal with Golden State Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell, according to Marc Stein. The deal would make Russell a brand ambassador.

Basketball development of a different sort from China: The Li-Ning brand Way of Wade has been pushing to close a lucrative deal with new Warriors guard D'Angelo Russell to make Russell a brand ambassador, according to industry sources

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 17, 2019

Russell, 23, was signed with Nike but his deal was set to expire this fall, according to sneaker reporter Nick DePaula. Russell is an up-and-coming name.

A former No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell made his first All-Star team last year and emerged with the Brooklyn Nets. He was traded to Golden State as part of the Kevin Durant deal. Russell is entering his fifth season in the league.