Although Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards in the 2000s, he remained synonymous with the Chicago Bulls and the iconic No. 23 jersey even after his career. However, during the peak of his dominance in the 1990s, MJ nearly signed a deal with one of his Eastern Conference rivals.

While the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and the Los Angeles Lakers' rivalries are well-remembered, the Knicks' rivalry, led by Patrick Ewing, stood out among Jordan's toughest challenges

Around the beginning of the Bulls’ second three-peat, reports suggested a potential Michael Jordan trade to the New York Knicks — something Jordan later confirmed. During a conversation with Marvin R. Shanken, editor of the Cigar Aficionado, MJ revealed the truth that the rumor carried.

“We always heard that Michael Jordan was coming to the Knicks. We hated you, but on the other hand, we wanted you.” Shanken told him.

Jordan responded, “It was truly a rumor. We had one occasion when there was a dialogue. It must have been in 1996 or 1997 because of my contract situation in Chicago. But nothing ever really materialized.”

At that time, Jordan was just about to complete his 8-year, $25 million extension with the Bulls. It was a contract that many argued had underpaid Jordan, considering he had already collected three rings.

MJ further revealed how close he was to signing a deal with the Knicks.

“If Chicago had not made a significant offer, New York was next,” Jordan revealed. “We actually had a dialogue with New York. If a phone call didn't come within 30 minutes from Chicago, we had already given assurances that we would have gone to the Knicks for less money.”

No doubt, Bulls fans are glad that call came in time.

Michael Jordan compensated after the underpayment debate

In an interview with 1994 interview, Michael Jordan said, “Everybody knows I deserve more money, but I actually signed the contract.”

Jordan initially signed an 8-year extension with the Bulls in 1988, with an annual salary ranging from $2 million to $4 million.

In the span of 8 years, he had already collected multiple MVP awards, four championships, and established himself as the global face of the league. His salary seemed considerably lower than expectations.

The debate intensified when Michael Jordan returned to the league after a 16-month hiatus in 1995; the Bulls continued with the same contract.

Finally, after the contract’s maturity, the Bulls offered a one-year $30.1 million contract in 1996. It was the biggest annual pay. In the very next season, the famous ‘Last Dance’ season, the Bulls once again offered a one-year, $33.1 million deal, putting an end to the underpaid debate.

Do you think Michael Jordan would have won NBA rings with the New York Knicks as well? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shahul Hameed