Kyrie Irving Honors Klay Thompson With Special Anta Kai 2 Sneakers

The basketball world is built on rivalries, friendships, and the unique bonds formed both on and off the court. Few relationships illustrate this better than the one between Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. Once rivals in epic NBA Finals battles, they are now teammates on the Dallas Mavericks, and more than that, collaborators in the sneaker world.

This fall, Irving is paying tribute to Thompson in a way only he can—through a special colorway of his signature ANTA sneakers. The ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” launches on Friday, September 26, and represents not only the union of two basketball stars but also a shared philosophy of balance, perseverance, and mutual respect.

Irving’s New Role at ANTA

When Kyrie Irving joined ANTA as the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball in 2023, it sent ripples through the sneaker industry. Known for his artistic vision and outspoken personality, Irving was not content with just being a signature athlete. He wanted to shape the future of ANTA’s identity and elevate the brand globally.

Over the past two years, Irving has delivered multiple successful releases. His ANTA Kai 1 debuted to strong fan reception, and now the ANTA Kai 2 is carrying that momentum. By honoring Thompson with a dedicated colorway, Irving is blending creativity with storytelling, giving fans sneakers that are more than just performance gear—they are a piece of basketball history.

Klay Thompson’s Legacy With ANTA

While Irving may be the fresh face at ANTA, Klay Thompson has been the brand’s foundation for a decade. Signing with ANTA in 2014, Thompson became one of the company’s biggest ambassadors, releasing the KT line of performance sneakers.

Through championship seasons with the Golden State Warriors and personal comebacks from devastating injuries, Thompson’s partnership with ANTA has been a constant. His loyalty to the brand helped establish ANTA’s credibility in the competitive U.S. sneaker market. Now, with Irving stepping into a leadership role, the partnership between these two NBA stars strengthens ANTA’s presence in basketball culture.

The Design of the ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY”

The ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” is more than just a shoe—it is a symbol of brotherhood. The design is built around the themes of balance, unity, and perseverance.

Color Palette: The silhouette uses sky blues, vibrant golds, and subtle green accents. These choices represent calmness, wisdom, and fluidity. Together, the colors highlight serenity and energy, symbolizing both players’ unique yet complementary styles.
Symbolism: Blue stands for clarity and tranquility, gold reflects excellence and determination, while green captures renewal and adaptability. The combination mirrors the journey of Irving and Thompson, who transitioned from rivals to teammates, finding balance in their shared mission.
Brotherhood Message: The colorway honors their bond as All-Stars, their journey from prodigies entering the league together in 2011 to veterans now striving for another championship run in Dallas.

The result is a sneaker that embodies both artistry and history—a perfect tribute to Thompson from Irving.

Performance and Technology

As much as sneaker enthusiasts love the story and design, performance remains essential. The ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” is built for elite-level play, ensuring that fans and athletes alike can perform with confidence.

Key tech specs include:

Arrow TPU Frame: Enhances stability and lockdown during quick cuts and sharp movements.
High-Strength Upper: Provides durability and structure without sacrificing comfort.
Full-Palm Nitrogen Cushioning: Delivers responsive energy return and soft landings, ideal for explosive guards like Irving and sharpshooters like Thompson.
Anti-Slip Rubber Outsole: Ensures maximum grip at extreme angles, crucial for both perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket.

At a price of $125, the ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” offers high-end performance at a cost far lower than many competing signature sneakers from other brands.

Where to Buy

Fans can purchase the ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” colorway beginning September 26 at:

ANTA.com
Foot Locker
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Scheels
Hibbett
JD Sports (Canada)

This wide availability shows ANTA’s growing commitment to global sneaker markets and its ambition to challenge industry giants like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.

From Rivals to Teammates

One of the most fascinating aspects of this release is the backstory of Irving and Thompson. Both players entered the NBA in 2011—Irving as the No. 1 overall pick and Thompson as the No. 11 pick. Over the years, they clashed in unforgettable moments, particularly during the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors Finals showdowns.

Thompson’s sharpshooting and Irving’s clutch scoring defined an era of NBA basketball. Fans vividly remember Irving’s iconic Game 7 three-pointer in 2016, a shot made over Stephen Curry, Thompson’s backcourt partner. For years, they were rivals on the biggest stage.

Now, nearly a decade later, the two stars are not only teammates in Dallas but also collaborators under the ANTA banner. This shift from rivals to allies highlights the unpredictable beauty of sports and the lifelong bonds it creates.

Brotherhood Beyond Basketball

What makes the ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” truly special is that it represents more than basketball. It celebrates the brotherhood between Irving and Thompson, built on mutual respect, shared battles, and a passion for the game.

Both players have endured setbacks—Irving with controversies and team changes, Thompson with career-threatening injuries. Through it all, they found strength in perseverance. Their friendship and collaboration now reflect a deeper message of unity and resilience, qualities that fans can embrace both on and off the court.

What’s Next for Irving, Thompson, and ANTA?

With NBA training camp around the corner, excitement is building not just for the Mavericks’ season but also for what’s next in the sneaker world. The ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” is only the beginning of what promises to be an innovative era for ANTA Basketball.

Irving has hinted at more creative projects, including lifestyle sneakers and potential collaborations outside of sports. Meanwhile, Thompson continues to expand his KT line, ensuring that ANTA has a strong portfolio of products tied to elite athletes.

The Mavericks’ push for a championship and ANTA’s push for sneaker industry relevance are running in parallel. As Irving and Thompson chase victories on the court, they are also rewriting the narrative of sneaker culture together.

Conclusion

The launch of the ANTA Kai 2 “KLAY” is more than just a sneaker drop—it’s a celebration of two NBA stars whose journeys have intertwined in unexpected ways. From rivals in the Finals to teammates in Dallas, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson now share a stage under the ANTA brand.

By blending storytelling, innovative design, and elite performance, Irving has created a sneaker that honors Thompson while strengthening ANTA’s place in basketball culture. For fans, athletes, and sneaker collectors alike, this release is not just about shoes—it’s about the brotherhood, resilience, and history that define the game of basketball.