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Chinese Shoe Brand Anta Sports to Suspend NBA Contract Renewal Talks

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The Chinese shoe company Anta Sports said it will suspend contract renewal negotiations with the NBA, according to Reuters. 

Anta's move is the latest in a series of backlashes to a tweet in support of Hong Kong protestors by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. A pair of NBA Cares events in China were canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Nets vs. Lakers preseason contests in Shanghai may also be canceled. 

The company said it "opposes any action that harms China's interests," per Reuters. Anta reportedly was "dissatisfied" with comments from Morey and league officials. 

Anta is operated in Jinjiang, China, and the company has contracts with a slate of NBA players. Warriors guard Klay Thompson is an Anta athlete, as is Lakers guard Rajon Rondo and Celtics forward Gordon Hayward. Anta is also a sponsor of boxer Manny Pacquiao. 

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