Yup, and Michael Jordan's wasn't the highest paid player until the near end of his career:Understand that in the eyes of the league ny fans nba fans executives and media in fact sports fans period??
There is almost nothing more important and selfless to do as to 'sacrifice" money (or your body) for the team
See Tom Brady
That is forever part of his legend as a Knick and as a pro athlete
Its kinda bullsh*t (because the same ones will completely forget when its convenient) but it don't matter to the public.
You do that?
You golden.
AND if you WIN ON TOP OF THAT???!
STATUE.
His NBA Salary Breakdown:
- Early Career (1984–1996): Despite winning MVP awards and leading the league in scoring, Jordan was consistently out-earned by other stars. For example, in the 1995–96 season, he made $3.8 million, making him only the 32nd highest-paid player in the league, while others like Patrick Ewing made $18 million. [1, 2, 3]
- The Final Years (1996–1998): The Bulls finally gave Jordan massive one-year contracts to reflect his status, paying him $30.1 million in 1996–97 and a record $33.1 million in 1997–98. His $33.1 million salary stood as the single-season NBA record for over 20 years.


