Feb 24, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's shoes during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent his Converse sneakers to Drake

Originally posted on Sneakers on SI | By Pat Benson | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 11:05 AM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already leads the way in aura and the NBA MVP race. Soon, Gilgeous-Alexander will have a firm grip on the sneaker industry.

Last month, Gilgeous-Alexander debuted his long-awaited and highly-anticipated first signature basketball shoe with Converse. The Converse SHAI 001 blends performance with style in a truly unique silhouette.

The only downside to Gilgeous-Alexander's debut hoop shoe is the launch date. Athletes and fans must wait until Fall 2025 to buy the Converse SHAI 001. That is unless you are Drake.

Drake got the Converse SHAI 001’s already pic.twitter.com/taXd3fnB8J
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) March 7, 2025

The Canadian rapper and global music icon shared a selfie on his Instagram story where he posed with the Converse SHAI 001.

Drake is a big part of the extended Nike universe with his NOCTA sublabel, but the kicks were likely sent directly from Gilgeous-Alexander himself, as we have not seen any other celebrities with the unreleased shoes.

Drake and Gilgeous-Alexander have been friends for years. Not only do they both hail from Canada, but they hugged it out after a game in Toronto in December 2023.

@shaiglalex shows off his first signature shoe! #NBAAllStar • #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/5Twjq5dBoK
— NBA KICKS (@NBAKicks) February 15, 2025

So far, Gilgeous-Alexander has only debuted one colorway of the Converse Shai 001. From materialization to the color palette to a locking zipper, the "Butter" colorway offers multiple styling options.

The silhouette is the culmination of Gilgeous-Alexander's desire to redefine performance footwear in the sport, both as an athlete and as creative director of Converse Basketball.

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