Darryn Peterson officially has a shoe deal, and it’s a big one. The Kansas freshman turned top-two pick in the 2026 NBA Draft signed with Adidas earlier this week, joining a roster of brand athletes that includes Derrick Rose and others. The deal is reportedly one of the richest rookie shoe contracts in NBA history, according to Nick DePaula.
Peterson went second overall to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, landing just behind AJ Dybantsa who was taken first by the Washington Wizards. There were some questions about Peterson’s availability coming into the draft, but those concerns didn’t drop him below the No. 2 spot. He had a breakout season at Kansas and quickly became the kind of prospect franchises build around.
The Adidas draft class this year
Adidas announced its full lineup of rookie signings from the 2026 class shortly after the first round wrapped. Peterson leads the group. Mikel Brown Jr., who went sixth overall to the Brooklyn Nets, also signed. So did Karim Lopez, who was selected 21st by the Detroit Pistons before getting traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sole Retriever posted the news on X, writing: “OFFICIAL: adidas introduces its 2026 NBA Draft Class /// -Darryn Peterson, Karim Lopez, Mikel Brown Jr.”
Peterson becomes the face of that group, and Adidas is clearly betting big on his star power. The brand has a long history with guards, from Rose to James Harden to Donovan Mitchell. Peterson fits that mold as a combo guard who can score at all three levels.
What Peterson brings to Utah
On the court, Peterson walks into an interesting situation in Utah. The Jazz have been stuck in that middle ground for a few years now — not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend. But the roster has some real pieces. Keyonte George is an electric scorer. Lauri Markkanen is a proven veteran wing. And Jaren Jackson Jr., acquired in a trade last year, gives them a defensive anchor.
The timelines don’t perfectly match up. Markkanen is 28. Jackson is 25. Peterson is 19. But the Jazz are hoping this core can grow together without having to bottom out again. They’ve avoided the full rebuild route so far, and taking Peterson at No. 2 signals they want to stay competitive.
The second round of the draft is scheduled for Wednesday, and a few more Adidas signings could trickle in after that. But for now, all eyes are on Peterson and what he can do next season.
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