Despite Boasting $2 Billion Worth Asset, Michael Jordan Eclipsed by 2x All-StarDue to $26,671,217 D
The Chicago Bulls is one of the most recognizable NBA teams in the world today. Synonymous with Michael Jordan, the team became a powerhouse during the 1990s as they won 6 championships under his stewardship. Forming the deadliest trio in league history, MJ alongside Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman helped Chicago become the face of the NBA. Although not the case in the present, the team continues to evolve, hoping to become title contenders once more.
With only 1 playoff appearance in the last 5 years, the Bulls have become a ghost of their former selves. Having a pretty similar record past the Jordan era, the Bulls have been rebuilding for quite some time now. This has resulted in many lavish contracts being handed out to players who have been unable to replicate Jordan’s success, significantly hurting their finances. A reflection of this can be seen in their highest-paid players list as Jordan barely scrapes into the top 3.
Highest paid Chicago Bulls players ranked: 12th to 4th
In a recent article by ‘HoopsHype,’ the highest-paid players in Chicago Bulls history were ranked in order. The list featured players past and present and had some shocking results. Starting from the bottom of the list, 2023 ECF MVP Jimmy Butler took the 12th spot with career earnings of $39 million. The guard was toppled by Robin Lopez, who pocketed a respectable $41 million during his time in Chicago.
Scrapping into the top 10 was Kirk Hinrich, who earned $51.7 million during his 7-year stint with the franchise. The 9th and 8th positions were separated by a measly $150,000 as Otto Porter earned $53.1 million while current star DeMar DeRozan earned a close $53.3 million.
DeRozan could jump higher on the list this year, but as of now, 7th place belongs to Nikola Vucevic’s who earned $55.1 million in the Windy City. In 6th place was iconic center Joakim Noah, who earned $70.7 million, a million short of Carlos Boozer, who took 5th place with career earnings of $71.7 million. Former teammate of Noah, Luol Deng ranked 4th on the list as he pocketed $72.9 million during his 10 years with the Bulls.
Top 3 earners in Chicago Bulls history
The top 3 was where things got interesting, as legend Michael Jordan ranked third on the list. Although easily richer than all the aforementioned players combined, especially after his $3 billion sale of the Hornets, MJ’s career earnings sit at $91.6 million, with most of his earnings coming in his final year as a Bulls player. Jordan could have easily been written off this list hadn’t it been for the 1997-98 season where he earned $33.1 million.
Coming in second place was hometown hero Derrick Rose, who pocketed $95.5 million in the red and black jersey. Both MJ and Rose could have been ranked higher on the list if they played in today’s game. But with both of them long past their prime, it is no surprise that current star Zach Lavine tops this list. Earning a whopping $118 million, the 2x All-star eclipsed MJ by a $26.6 million margin making him the richest player in franchise history by a mile. With Lavine set to earn another $178 million in the next 4 years, the gap between him and Rose could only get bigger.
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Do you think Lavine, a 2x Dunk Contest winner, has what it takes to restore the Chicago Franchise to its former glory? Let us know below!
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