Jimmy Butler Says Healthy Feet And History Spurred His Jump From adidas To Jordan Brand

With a full season of wearing Air Jordan sneakers under his belt, Jimmy Butler opened up to GQ about his decision to leave adidas for Jordan Brand prior to the start of the 2014-15 NBA season. Butler, who battled toe and ankle injuries throughout the 2014 season, was so set on improving his game footwear that he reportedly took 75% less money to wear Jordan sneakers than he was making as an adidas athlete.

But there was some sentimentality at play, too:

“It’s not about the money. I do it because I love the game, for one. I think Mike takes care of his players. He’s always saying how this is a Jordan family. Everybody’s so cool to hang around, and you get a lot of respect, within that Jordan brand, to each and every individual, because you’re significantly really good at your particular sport. So, I think it was an easy choice, moving on to Jordan.”

Butler faithfully wore various adidas basketball sneakers through spring 2014, including the throwback Crazy 8, but pretty much decided – and announced to his teammates, including fellow Bull and adidas signature athlete Derrick Rose – in the midst of the grinding team schedule that he was moving on to Jordan Brand:

“I was probably telling them halfway through the season, whenever it is, “When this year’s over, y’all can count on not seeing me in adidas. I’m gonna be straight Jordan-ed out.” Now I’m never wanting to leave Brand Jordan.”

Butler explains all of this in-depth and more – including why he no longer wears cowboy boots to game, what it’s like to open up packages from Jordan Brand, his favorite Air Jordans, and which Jordans go best with a suit – in the full interview at GQ.com.