How Much Michael Jordan Was Paid Each Of His 15 NBA Seasons

Michael Jordan was signed to his rookie contract with the Chicago Bulls after going third in the 1983 NBA draft. This paltry payday shook out to about $1 million per season for the first few years of Jordan's march to greatness. According to Ballislife.com, this signing was the best moment in Chicago Bulls franchise history. By the time that contract elapsed, it was already clear that Jordan was a special kind of player. Excitement around His Airness had doubled attendance at regular season games, so the Bulls decided to take out their checkbook. They signed Jordan to a new 8-year deal worth $25 million — a "deal of the century" at the time.

After claiming a few championships and once again hitting the open market, Jordan's value skyrocketed. He signed a new deal with the Bulls that netted him $63 million from 1996 to 1998. The 1997-98 season became the high water mark for Jordan's earnings when it comes to player salary. When he returned from his second retirement to play with the Washington Wizards for two seasons, he was bust back down to his rookie level of $1 million per season — but by choice, in order to allow the franchise more buying power. Though a third comeback is likely out of the question at this point, he remains involved with the league as owner of the Charlotte Hornets franchise.

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