The San Antonio Spurs recently tied down their number 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, to a 4-year contract. The overall deal, worth more than $55 million, will lead to an annual salary of $12 million, which will continue increasing until the final year. The deal represents huge money for the 19-year-old who has been playing in the French League since 2019. However, it was 39 years before Wembanyama’s draft, back in 1984, when the legendary Michael Jordan made history with an offer of $6.3 million, 7-year deal.
Advertisement
According to Rolan Lazenby’s Michael Jordan: The Life, MJ’s rookie deal was the 3rd highest contract in history, after those of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. The contract was also the most lucrative ever offered to a rookie guard. While Wembanyama is undoubtedly going to earn big money, his contract pales in comparison when it comes to historical importance. Jordan’s contract was a result of his appearances at the 1984 Summer Olympics. His stock rose by such margins that the Bulls were forced to offer a big contract in September 1984.
Michael Jordan’s rookie contract was the highest-ever offered to a guard
The Chicago Bulls undoubtedly got one of the biggest steals in draft history, bagging MJ at number 3. In the same year, Hakeem Olajuwon was picked 1st by Houston Rockets, who offered him the biggest ever contract for a rookie.
However, Olajuwon was expected to be a generational talent and his huge stature meant that he was a guaranteed NBA success. The same was true for Ralph Sampson, which meant that Jordan’s deal was the third-highest in the history of the NBA for a rookie:
“Two weeks later, on September 12, 1984, the Bulls announced Jordan’s signing to a seven-year, $6 million deal, the third highest in league history, behind those given to Houston big men Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. It was by far the greatest deal ever offered a guard. “It took some give and take,” Bulls partner Jonathan Kovler quipped. “We gave, and they took.”
Of course, the $6 million deal pales in comparison to the lucrative contracts he subsequently signed, as well as the wealth he has garnered over the years.
Victor Wembanyama is already a rich man, after his first NBA contract
There is little doubt that Wembanyama has a world of expectations placed on his shoulders. The 19-year-old has impressed in the French League for years. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game for the Metropolitans 92.
Needless to say, such numbers at the age of 19, apart from his unique skills, stature, and reach means that the Spurs have a proper prospect on their hands. Whether he will be able to create a similar legacy as Michael Jordan is another matter.
Still, the 19-year-old is earning the big bucks compared to MJ already. While Jordan earned no more than a million every year via his rookie contract, Wembanyama will be raking in more than $11 million every season.
