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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

One of the biggest reasons behind the fortune of NBA legend Michael Jordan is his partnership with Nike. It has been very fruitful for both sides ever since Jordan first signed a deal with the brand. The iconic alliance also has a special place in sneaker culture, having prompted a revolution in the industry. However, Nike was not the six-time NBA champion’s first option. Air: Courting A Legend is an upcoming Hollywood movie that tells the legendary story of the brand landing the rookie sensation, Jordan.

The movie, directed by superstar Ben Affleck, is all set to release on April 5 and has a star-studded lineup of Affleck, Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, and Marlon Wayans, among others. Recently, Wayans was asked about Michael Jordan’s reaction to the movie. What the actor said next, left everyone in the room wide-eyed.

Marlon Wayans reveals how Michael Jordan reacted to Air

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Marlon Wayans plays the role of Hall of Fame coach George Raveling in the movie Air. Raveling was an assistant coach of the 1984 US basketball team that won the Gold medal on the back of the brilliance of a young Michael Jordan. Wayans recently made an appearance on the Full Size Run podcast from Sole Collector.

via Imago

The veteran actor shared a lot of interesting details about the movie with co-hosts Brendan Dunne, Matt Welty, and Trinidad James. In one instance, Welty asked Wayans if he has any idea how Jordan would feel about the movie.

The comedian had a very candid response to the question. After admitting that he had met MJ regarding the film, Wayans said, “Let me ask you. If I had three billion dollars would I care if somebody…I don’t care!” However, the crew was not ready to accept his take, pointing out how petty Jordan his regarding his image and legacy.

Wayans added, “Come on now. Mike’s got a team. Mike is making money in his sleep. This is a commercial for Air which is a commercial for everything. What you learn in the movie is his mama crafted him a deal where he gets a percentage of every Air Jordan sold. So if are Michael Jordan, do you give a f**k what they do in the movies!”

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Wayans definitely had a valid point. After amassing a net worth of over two billion dollars, it’s difficult to stay invested in a lot of things. According to various reports, Jordan has earned over $1 billion from Nike and the Air Jordan brand has a net worth of over $10 billion.

Deloris Jordan’s role in the iconic deal

Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris Jordan, played a major part in her son’s decision to sign a deal with Nike. The five-time NBA MVP did not have the intention to meet with the executives of Nike. However, his mother advised him to listen to what they had to offer.

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So the Chicago Bulls legend sat down with Nike and was impressed with their suggestion of a signature shoe line. And the rest is history.