Michael Jordan Got Paid His Full $4 Million NBA Salary Despite Retiring to Play Baseball

At just 29 years old, after leading the Chicago Bulls to three straight NBA championships, Michael Jordan made the stunning announcement that he was retiring from basketball.

The devastating impact of the murder of his father earlier that year caused his passion for basketball to wane, leading to his shock decision just before the 1993/94 NBA season.

Rather than staying in basketball, Jordan made a bold switch, signing with the Minor League Baseball team Chicago White Sox to fulfill his late father’s dream.

The move was a smooth one, as the White Sox were also owned by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Jordan officially signed his baseball contract on February 7, 1994.

He went on to participate in spring training in Sarasota, Florida, before moving into the minor league system, playing 127 regular-season games for the Birmingham Barons, the White Sox’s Double-A affiliate.

Jordan also suited up for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League, where he managed just three home runs during his baseball journey.

Remarkably, while Jordan was pursuing his baseball career, he still had an existing contract with the Bulls — and that very deal was honored, meaning Jordan continued to be paid handsomely despite stepping away from the NBA.

Eventually, Jordan decided to end his brief baseball career, worried he might be used as a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike.

His dramatic return to basketball was announced in 1995 with a simple yet powerful press release stating, “I’m back.” Upon his return, he wore the No. 45 jersey — the same number he had donned during his baseball stint.

Following a slow start for the Bulls, Jordan quickly found his rhythm. After an early playoff exit, a reenergized “MJ” led the Bulls to another legendary three-peat, securing championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

Michael Jordan Donated a Full Year’s NBA Salary
After retiring for the second time in 1999, Jordan transitioned into a leadership role as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards — a team he would later play for between 2001 and 2003 before officially ending his playing career.

During his time with the Wizards, Jordan demonstrated his generosity by donating a full year’s salary, dedicating the funds to victims of the September 11 attacks in New York City and their families.

Following an initial donation of $100,000, Jordan made a heartfelt pledge to donate the remainder of his salary to organizations assisting families connected to the tragic events.