Report: Jeremy Lin has new shoe deal with Adidas, leaving Nike

Jeremy Lin cashed in on Linsanity with a shoe deal with Nike, but as his popularity has waned a bit, so has his marketability, it seems.

The Houston Rockets point guard is still immensely popular - he's threatening to be voted into an undeserved All-Star spot - and lends legitimacy to marketing campaigns in Asia. However, the move out of New York and the cooling off of the sensation around his brand are such that he's no longer the league's hottest player.

In news that is probably related to all of this to some degree, CSNNW is reporting that Lin will leave Nike for Adidas after agreeing to a shoe deal with the latter, according to an anonymous source.

As Eye On Basketball explains, the move is indicative both of Lin's status and Adidas' changing investment approach:

The move is more reflective of Lin's declining popularity since leaving New York, since Nike has the most resources to shell out if they wanted to retain Lin. Given his popularity in the Asian markets in part due to his Taiwanese heritage, it fits with Nike's long-term goals as well. But Adidas has also been active in Asia, with Dwight Howard having put together a strong campaign there in the summers annually.

It's an important get for Adidas, to be sure, but a loss that Nike can surely weather.

In 24 games this season, the Taiwenese Harvard grad is averaging 14.1 points and 4.2 assists, shooting 48 percent from the field.