Jordan’s Shocking Retirement
Michael Jordan’s first retirement from the NBA in 1993 was a shock to the league and its fans. After losing Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to retirement in 1991 and 1992 respectively, the NBA had looked to Jordan as its new face and expected him to lead the league forward. His unexpected exit left a significant void.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts
According to writer Roland Lazenby, some NBA team owners attempted to convince Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf to bring Jordan back. In Lazenby’s book, Michael Jordan: The Life, he reveals that these owners suggested the NBA could offer Jordan a substantial contract to lure him back to the game.
Potential Financial Incentives
The NBA had the financial means to make a significant offer to Jordan. Before the 1993 playoffs, the league signed a four-year, $750 million deal with NBC Sports, a $150 million increase from their previous contract. The success of the Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics and Jordan’s dominance had greatly boosted the NBA’s popularity.
Jordan’s Steep Price
Despite the league’s financial strength, Jordan’s potential asking price was astronomical. When asked if a $100 million offer would have changed his decision to retire, Jordan famously replied, “If I played for the money, it would’ve been $300 million.” Whether serious or not, this response made it clear that no offer was made, and Jordan remained retired until 1995.
Jordan’s Love for the Game
Jordan’s return to basketball was not driven by money but by his passion for the game and circumstances in baseball. After a 16-month hiatus, Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995, following a lockout in Major League Baseball where he was trying his hand with the Birmingham Barons, a Double-A team for the Chicago White Sox, also owned by Reinsdorf.
Continued Financial Support
During his baseball stint, Reinsdorf continued to pay Jordan his NBA salary. Jordan had signed an eight-year, $25.7 million contract with the Bulls in 1988, and he was set to earn $3.85 million in the final two years of this agreement. This financial support helped Jordan transition back to basketball.
Return to Dominance
By the time Jordan’s contract ended, he had returned to being the best player in the NBA, winning the MVP award and leading the Bulls to their fourth NBA title in six seasons. Despite being the 32nd highest-paid player in the league before the 1996 offseason, Jordan quickly secured better compensation.
Historic Contracts
In the following two years, Jordan signed two one-year extensions worth $63 million in total, making him the highest-paid player in the NBA at that time. These contracts reflected his unmatched value and performance, solidifying his status as the league’s top star.(Superace88)