Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players of all time. And, in the 1997-1998 season, MJ drew the biggest salary in the NBA, raking in $33,140,000. A hefty sum, but one worthy of the GOAT. However, compared to some of the contracts the modern NBA stars it looks rather measly. That being said, one Redditor on r/NBA sat down and did the math, and according to his calculations, if his salary was adjusted for inflation, Jordan would earn $15,000,000 more than any other player. Including, the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Advertisement
In the 1997-1998 season, the NBA set a salary cap of $26,900,000. A minuscule number that is in stark contrast to the $123,655,000 salary cap that was set for the 2022-2023 season. Nevertheless, at the time, it was considered to be a sizeable amount and the Bulls decided to go above it in order to pay His Airness. A whole $6,240,000 above it, to be precise.
Redditor points out that Michael Jordan would have made $15,000,000 more than any other NBA player in today’s league
One of the major complaints you hear from NBA legends about today’s game is regarding the ludicrous salaries NBA superstars are paid. Compared to what they made back in the day, modern players make significantly more money. Although, one outlier at the time, specifically in the 90s was Michael Jordan.
Jordan was a class apart, and during the 1997-1998 season, he made close to $33,140,000. It was a huge deal at the time, especially considering how limited the salary cap was back then. But, that being said, it still pales in comparison to what stars make today. However, one Redditor who recently did the math made an incredible discovery.
If Jordan’s salary was adjusted for inflation, he would make close to $15,000,000 more than any other player in today’s NBA. To be precise, his salary, if he were playing in the 2022-2023 season would be somewhere around $62,032,590. A whole $18,000,000 more than LeBron James who made $44,474,988 last year. And, around $14,000,000 more than Stephen Curry, who made $48,070,014.
In 1998, Michael Jordan earned a salary of $33,140,000. Adjusted for inflation, Jordan earned about $15,000,000 more than any player during the 2022-2023 NBA season.
by u/Matty2Eight1 in nba
It certainly makes one wonder what players like King James and the Baby-Faced Assassin would have earned if they played during MJ’s era. But, at the end of the day, it is a testament to just how highly valued a player His Airness was in the NBA.
MJ’s incredible $33,140,00 salary was handed to him after drawn-out negotiations between him and the Bulls
Michael Jordan did make a lot of money during his last season with the Chicago Bulls. However, he did not come by it easily. Prior to the start of the 1996-1997 season, MJ and his agents were in heated negotiations with Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. His Airness wanted a significant pay raise, but Reinsdorf wasn’t ready to part ways with the money.
So, Jordan used rumors suggesting the New York Knicks were more than ready to pay for his services. A strategy that got him the contract he so desired. A smart move from the then-four-time NBA Champion. One that forced Reinsdorf’s hand. But, at the end of the day, everything worked out for the best. Seeing as he delivered two more championships to The Windy City.
