In this day and age, you can become a three-pointer expert and earn $20 million per season. Looking back, this will be the sum of Michael Jordan's salary in the league's first 10 seasons. Wages in the NBA have soared over the years, and Jordan was a pioneer in elevating the league to the top of the sports market.
If Jordan had played in his current era, he would have made more money than the likes of Giannis Anttocompo and Stephen Curry, who recently signed a contract extension that would make $50 million a year. Can he get more? Let's take a look at the original salary Jordan earned during his career.
In calculating these results, we extract his original salary from Spotra. We then used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Inflation Index Converter to judge today's wages. At the end of Jordan's career, his salary was like some of today's superstars.
Original salary: $550,000
What will it be today: $1,450,933
The league's minimum wage for veterans is $2.6 million. Jordan still made $2 million less in his rookie season, where he averaged 28.2 points in his rookie season and won the Rookie of the Year award. Today's rookie contract paid Zion Williamson $9.4 million, having not played a game before. Not to mention, Williamson hasn't played a few games either.
Initial salary: $630,000
What will it be today: $1,601,739
His second year in the league is considered his worst season, as he played just 18 games in total, including seven starts. Due to injury, Jordan played the fewest games of his career. Given the value at the time, that seemed fair as he only played less than a quarter of the season.
Original salary: $737,500
What will it be today: $1,842,517
By this season, Jordan was really starting to make a name for himself. This is Jordan's first time in the All-NBA First Team, and he has achieved this achievement 10 times in his career. Jordan also led the league with 37.1 points, which was also the highest score of his career. By now, Jordan is eligible to sign a super-large contract that will pay him nearly $200 million. Think about the number of people Alexander, Trae Young, and Doncic who have signed $200 million contracts in recent months.
Original salary: $845,000
What will it be today: $2,036,688
Jordan won his first MVP this season but still didn't get a $1 million salary. By this time, Jordan had established himself as the league's best player, but had never been able to cross the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs. You can compare Jordan's rule to today's Luca Doncic. The only difference is that Doncic got a hefty raise, his salary will be more than $200 million, and it will only take three seasons.
Initial salary: $2 million
What will it be today: $4,636,728
Jordan averaged one of his best overall data lines during the year. He averaged 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists. It was the closest Jordan had ever come to setting a triple-double in one season. Now, that's under what is considered a $4.6 million salary. Russell-Westbrook has done it four times and has far exceeded that number.
Original salary: $2,250,000
Today it was: $4,959,917
The following season, Jordan improved his scoring and remained one of the best scorers in the game. Although not winning the championship, after this year, the dynasty will be born and Jordan's value will begin to rise.
Original salary: $2,500,000
Today's price: $5,264,953
The Bulls finally broke with tradition and won their first title. When today's players win, some of the rewards can generate up to millions of dollars in revenue. And Jordan's salary will just exceed Jeff Green's income this year.
Original salary: $3,250,000
Today's salary: $6,537,416
This season marks Jordan's fifth consecutive season with more than 50 percent shooting, including an average of more than 30.0 points per game. It was also the second consecutive time the team had won an NBA championship. In a league that gave bonuses, his prize money was still not worth a mid-level exception in today's game.
Original salary: $4,000,000
What will it be today: $7,805,049
When Kobe Bryant won his third title, his annual salary was $11.2 million. This just explains how the game has changed. Jordan, who was paid just over $4 million at the time, led the Bulls to three consecutive titles, including winning three Finals mvp.
Initial salary: $4 million
Today's salary: $7,578,033
Despite his "retirement," Jordan was still owed wages. After winning his third title, the following season was emotional for Jordan as his father died that year. He chose to play minor league baseball, but if he returns to the basketball court, the Bulls still have his contractual rights.
Original salary: $3,850,000
What would it be today: $7,116,438
Jordan returned to the basketball court and shocked the world. Jordan missed half a season because he was battling the decision. If you want to be technical, the Bulls played a total of $7.8 million in salary, played only a few games, and didn't make it to the conference finals. Considering what Jordan offered the team before leaving, it was all tied.
Original salary: $3,850,000
Today's salary: $6,906,445
The Bulls won 72 games and set a record for NBA victories. When Stephen Curry did this with the Warriors in 2015, he ended up getting a reward for the biggest contract that paid him more than $30 million in annual salary. Looking back at history, it's interesting that history finds a way to repeat itself.
Initial salary: $30.14 million
Today's price: $50,200,000
It was the first time Jordan had gotten a contract that matched his value. The summer of 1996 was a pivotal summer for the Bulls. The New York Knicks are on the verge of signing Jordan, a contract that will pay him $18 million, which Jordan is willing to accept. Jordan ended up signing up with the Bulls, and Jordan and his agent were able to get an extra $12 million in salary.
Original salary: 33.14 million
Today's salary: $55,200,000
According to inflation indicators, Jordan will be considered the highest-paid player ever to play in the NBA. This includes the high salaries of Antetokounmpo and Curry. Given Jordan's performance on the pitch, you have to think the investment is worth it. Jordan led the Bulls to a sixth overall title in a decade, as well as a second triple-title. It is very appropriate that this huge sum of money be repaid with a champion.
Original salary: $1,000,000
Today's price: $1,536,000
Considering Jordan's average of 22.9 points, getting a salary of $1 million is simply a heist. Jordan was in the late stages of his career at the time and had been away from basketball for four years. This shows how talented the legend is even after resting for so long. Jordan may not have made the Washington Wizards a contender, but he helped the team fill the venue.
Original salary: USD 1,536,893
What will it be today: $1,566,281
In his final season in the league, Jordan averaged 37.0 minutes per game, scoring 20.0 points. He played all 82 games. You'd think he could get a bonus for all his hard work, but between Jordan's endorsements and side hustles, he's probably doing a good job financially.
Let's take a look at the problem. When Jordan earned $33 million in the 1997-1998 season, Patrick Ewing was just over $20 million, while Horace Grant was the third-highest-paid player in the league at $14 million. When Jordan won his first championship, he was just the eighth highest-paid player that season, with higher salaries like Chris Mullin and Heat Williams.
This just explains the development of basketball brands around the world. Jordan has played a huge role in achieving this goal. Today's market is so big. You can't blame the team for not giving money because times are different. Still, Jordan is still a goat, not only in basketball awards, but also in salary. However, give it time. We might see a $60 million basketball player at some point in our lives.
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