Jimmy Butler Steps Out in an Unreleased Li-Ning Sneaker

Li-Ning’s basketball presence received a major boost this summer when Stephen Curry signed a long-term footwear and apparel partnership with the Chinese sportswear company. The deal, reportedly worth $400 million across 10 years, brings Curry Brand under the Li-Ning umbrella following Curry’s split from Under Armour.

Before Curry’s arrival, Jimmy Butler had already established his own lane with Li-Ning. Butler joined the company on a multiyear signature deal in 2020 and has since developed a growing performance line alongside the brand.

Now, Butler appears to be teasing what could be the next chapter.

During a recent outdoor workout, Butler debuted an unreleased Li-Ning basketball shoe unlike the models currently associated with his signature series. The low-top design features a predominantly white build with vivid red, orange, and blue graphics sweeping across the upper.

The colorful details appear in layered, brushstroke-like patterns, while additional branding lands across the tongue and heel. A sculpted sole unit completes the design, with the streamlined shape suggesting the pair is built for quick movement and on-court responsiveness.

With the JB 4 currently serving as the fourth entry in Butler’s signature series, the newly spotted silhouette could potentially be the Li-Ning JB 5. However, neither Butler nor Li-Ning has confirmed the shoe’s official name, technology, release date, or place within his signature lineup.

For now, the pair remains an early preview of what Butler and Li-Ning may have coming next. More information is expected to surface as Butler continues wearing the model.

For more on the latest basketball sneakers, Caitlin Clark's first signature sneaker is dropping later this year.