Michael Jordan Once Tested His Loyalty to the Bulls but $30 Million Changed his Mind

Associating NBA legend Michael Jordan with any other franchise other than the Chicago Bulls is almost impossible. After all, he is undoubtedly their greatest-ever player and won six NBA titles with the team. 

However, there was a time when he almost joined their rivals. Back in the 1996 off-season, MJ was a free agent and the New York Knicks were more than determined to get the reigning MVP on board. 

At that time, Knicks star Patrick Ewing was on a deal worth $18 million. In order to lure MJ to the Knicks, he was offered a contract worth $25 million, according to reports. 

Moreover, Jordan felt confident having the likes of Ewing, Charles Oakley, and others around him, which increased the possibility of Jordan joining the Knicks.

READ MORE: Billionaire Michael Jordan Still Breaking NBA Records Without Even Playing With Whopping $10.1 Million Sale

Despite the pressure from the Knicks, the Bulls acted fast and Jordan eventually stayed on. He was offered $30 million by the Bulls which tied him down to the franchise. He went on to win two more titles with Chicago before retiring for the second time in 1998. 

Much like his first retirement, Michael Jordan came back to play. However, this time he did not continue with the Chicago Bulls. He joined the Washington Wizards for two seasons in 2001 before retiring for the third and final time in 2003. 

Michael Jordan has a phenomenal record against the Knicks

Out of all the teams Michael Jordan dominated in the NBA, he had one of his best records against the New York Knicks. Out of the 60 games he has played against them, Jordan won a staggering 43 of them. 

Moreover, one of his best performances ever came in the Madison Square Garden vs the Knicks. He scored 55 points against them on the 28th of March in 1995 in a game nicknamed the ‘Double Nickel’. Thanks to his brilliant performance, the Bulls got the better of the Knicks 113-111. 

In 60 games, MJ averaged 31.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while knocking the team out on multiple occasions during the NBA playoffs as well.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Bill Russell Career: When Did The Celtics Legend Retire?

What is your favorite memory of Michael Jordan against the New York Knicks? Let us know in the comments down below.