$305 million man Jaylen Brown explains decision to launch his independent sneaker line: "Even if it's not (successful), who cares?"
Jaylen Brown is coming off his best postseason run with the Boston Celtics. He won the ECF MVP, Finals MVP, and most importantly, the NBA championship. To continue his momentum, he recently unveiled his independent signature sneaker line titled "741." In an interview with The Athletic's Jared Weiss, Brown explained the reason for his latest move.
Honestly, boredom. It would be great for it to be successful. But even if it's not, who cares? I'm just kind of tired seeing the same old things, the deals constructed the same way. So hopefully in the next 20 years, even if this isn't like super successful ...
"it sparks other athletes, other creators to have the courage to start building stuff on their own."
With his combination of tough shotmaking and defensive tenacity, Brown is one of the league's top players. He also has one of its most expensive contracts at $305 million.
Despite his all-star selections and continuous production, Brown was not signed by a major shoe company. Now, he has his own brand.
While boredom was a factor in his business venture, he also wanted to express himself through it. The usual route for an athlete is to sign an endorsement deal with Nike, Adidas, etc. However, Brown has always walked a different path.
When other players would've remained silent if USA Basketball didn't select them, Jaylen Brown spoke up.
His name went viral when he lobbed shots at Nike for announcing his teammate Derrick White would replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA's roster.
That individualism is at the core of his new sneaker brand.
Jaylen Brown talked about the foundation of his independent sneaker line
In an interview with Andscape's Aaron Dodson, Jaylen Brown explained what 741 represents.
"741 is more than just a sneaker brand. It's a statement — about independence, creativity and ownership. ... I've poured everything into designing 741, and it's been just as challenging and rewarding as anything I've done on the court."
He made the announcement official by uploading an Instagram preview.
The post garnered 15k likes as Brown's sneakers look far different from the signature shoes fans are accustomed to.