“What I could have done” — Michael Jordan

Resurfaced comments from NBA icon Michael Jordan have sparked renewed discussions regarding the compensation of his former Chicago Bulls teammate, Scottie Pippen.

Regarded as one of basketball’s greatest tandems, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were instrumental in leading the Bulls to six championships between 1991 and 1998, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

The recent spotlight on their partnership has brought attention to Pippen’s contractual situation during his time with the Bulls. Despite his pivotal role in the team’s success, Pippen’s financial compensation often fell short of his contributions on the court.

In a retrospective look at Pippen’s contract extension in 1991, it’s revealed that the versatile forward signed a seven-year deal worth $18 million, significantly undervaluing his worth as a premier player in the league.

Throughout the duration of his contract, Pippen’s earnings remained disproportionately low compared to his impact on the court, with annual salaries far below his market value.

During the peak of Pippen’s career, particularly in the 1996-1997 season, where he showcased his prowess as one of the league’s elite players, his earnings paled in comparison to his teammates.

While Jordan commanded a staggering $30.14 million salary during that season, Pippen’s compensation stood at a modest $2.25 million, highlighting the glaring disparity within the Bulls’ roster.

Jordan’s sentiments regarding Pippen’s underpayment have recently resurfaced, shedding light on his empathy towards his teammate’s financial situation.

In interviews from the era, Jordan expressed his desire to see Pippen adequately rewarded for his contributions to the team.

Michael Jordan even went as far as expressing his willingness to redistribute his own earnings to compensate for Pippen’s undervalued contract, underscoring the disparity between Pippen’s contributions and compensation.

“I wish there was some way legally that I could give him some of the money that he totally deserves as a player. He’s totally underpaid. For years, I was underpaid, but I played it out, and I think he’s going to play it out too. At the end of three years, I hope they reward him with a just and fair contract.”

Additionally, Jordan’s dissatisfaction with the Bulls’ management, particularly general manager Jerry Krause’s approach to team-building and compensation, further underscores the systemic issues within the organization during that era. Jordan’s candid remarks reflect a broader concern within the NBA community regarding fair compensation and player welfare.