Kawhi Leonard begins rich endorsement deal with New Balance (VIDEO)

While the basketball world waits to see which team Kawhi Leonard will choose in free agency this summer, he’s already switched teams with his endorsement deal.

The Toronto Raptors All-Star has left Jordan Brand, who were paying him $500,000 per year. Leonard reportedly turned down a four-year, $22 million extension to stay with the shoe giant last March, making him a free agent in the shoe world.

New Balance won his services, making the new partnership official on Thursday.

Although the exact sum hasn’t been revealed, it’s safe to say they are paying him handsomely.

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Basketball players earn big money for performing on the court from their respective teams, but they can also earn rich endorsement deals off-court as well.

Other NBA players with huge endorsement deals (according to Forbes):

• LeBron James: $52 million
• Stephen Curry: $42 million
• Kevin Durant: $33 million
• James Harden: $20 million
• Russel Westbrook: $19 million
• Kyrie Irving: $14 million
• Damian Lillard: $14 million
• Dwayne Wade: $14 million
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: $13 million
• Klay Thompson: $13 million

Leonard is featured in a new video produced by New Balance, highlighting his understated, no nonsense approach.

“Kawhi doesn’t need the cameras” is one of the phrases that fills the screen in the ad, building up to “Kawhi doesn’t need to get your attention, he already has it.”

New Balance will reveal their new basketball shoe at NBA All-Star Weekend this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Charlotte.