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2020 draft prospect Hampton inks 5-year deal with Li-Ning

Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New Zealand Breakers point guard RJ Hampton continues to blaze a unique trail toward a potential NBA career.

The highly touted 18-year-old, who elected to forgo college basketball in favor of playing professionally in Oceania's National Basketball League, has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chinese shoe company Li-Ning, his camp told ESPN's Nick DePaula.

"They're just a great company," Hampton said. "They've put a lot of work in with me, and they've really been behind me these last couple months, ever since I made my decision (to play in the NBL)."

The contract includes bonuses based on Hampton's position in the 2020 NBA draft. If he's selected within the top 10 next June, the 18-year-old's shoe deal will become the richest a Chinese company has ever signed with a rookie, according to DePaula.

Though not a major player in NBA circles, Li-Ning has had several notable endorsers in recent years, including recently retired future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum.

"I really like their shoes," said Hampton. "(With) CJ and Dwyane Wade, it's going to be great."

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