No Wonder He Was Gambling: $260,000,000-Worth Michael Jordan HumiliationLeaves the NBA World

Only a few days ago, massive news surrounding LaMelo Ball made headlines. The Charlotte Hornets point guard signed a five-extension worth $260 million. The latest contract immediately ranks him amongst the highest-paid players for the coming season. In fact, he will eclipse Stephen Curry, who was once the highest-earning NBA star. However, that only scratches

Only a few days ago, massive news surrounding LaMelo Ball made headlines. The Charlotte Hornets point guard signed a five-extension worth $260 million. The latest contract immediately ranks him amongst the highest-paid players for the coming season. In fact, he will eclipse Stephen Curry, who was once the highest-earning NBA star. However, that only scratches the surface of how lucrative the deal really is. It’s true potential comes to life when compared to the likes of Michael Jordan.

His Airness was a phenom and long reigned over the NBA. He was a global superstar, a larger-than-life celebrity at his peak. As they said everyone wanted to ‘Be like Mike’. Yet his decision to offer Ball the hefty extension showed the absurd growth of the NBA since the 1990s.

LaMelo Ball beats out Michael Jordan with his first extension

The entire basketball fraternity is aware of the legend that was Michael Jordan. The NBA wouldn’t be what it is today without MJ. He was an intimidating competitor brimming with confidence. But he also had the charisma and the qualities to be the most marketable athlete. It’s no surprise he became the first NBA player ever to earn over $30 million in a single season. Yet for most of his career, he wasn’t even the highest-paid player in the NBA. Yes, even with the accolades, and the overwhelming stardom, Jordan ranked number one only twice. None of his contracts had him earn over $5 million except his final stint with the Bulls.

In his 15-year illustrious career in the NBA, Michael Jordan reportedly made $94 million in salaries. When adjusted for inflation, it comes to $166 million. Jordan only rose to billionaire status thanks to his contract with Nike and the superlative rise of the Jordan brand.

Fast forward to decades later, MJ’s career earnings are now equivalent to a single extension. Some contracts tend to trump Jordan’s all-time salaries entirely. Take the example of his Hornets protege, LaMelo Ball. He recently signed his rookie extension. A five-year $260 million contract with his Hornets. In just half a decade, the 21-year-old will have made more money than Jordan did in his 15 years of playing in the NBA.

Of course, the ascending growth of the NBA has to be taken into account. During Jordan’s era, the salary cap barely exceeded $20 million. Today, the NBA’s salary cap is $136 million. This justifies just why superstars of the league are able to sign such lavish deals.

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But that did not stop NBA fans from being in complete disbelief.

NBA fans can’t fathom LaMelo Ball earning more than Jordan

The side-by-side comparison of Ball and Jordan’s salaries left a sour taste in fans’ mouths. They couldn’t comprehend the vast difference between the modern NBA and the Jordan era.

“No wonder he was gambling so much,” a fan wrote.

“Damn never thought I would ever feel kinda bad for a millionaire”

“94 million today is a chump change that you offer a mid-level player for a 4-year deal. Crazy.”

The enthusiasts also envisioned Jordan in today’s franchise system and predicted he would easily be the highest-paid player.

“If Michael Jordan was in today’s NBA there would be literally no price tag suitable”

“MJ = Priceless”

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What do you think of the disparity? Let us know in the comments below!

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