"Huge payday" - Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins could not keep calm on hearing about his close friend Michael Jordan's NBC job

Hall of Famer and close friend of Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, spoke candidly on what he thought about the NBA legend’s new NBC job. He said that he was sure that it would be something huge and that he was shocked to hear about Jordan’s taking up an NBC assignment. Dominique and Jordan have a history of solid rivalry. Though Jordan is a six-time title winner, Dominique lags way behind with no titles to his credit.



Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins gave shocking reaction to Michael Jordan’s NBC job

NBA insider Kyle Odegard shared on X a snippet from his interview with Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, whom he asked about Michael Jordan’s new NBC job. The NBA legend gave a shocking reaction to the same. Odegard quoted him as saying,

“I was shocked. And I know this: if Jordan is doing this, it’s got to be a huge payday. Huge."

I asked NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins what he thought of close friend Michael Jordan joining NBA on NBC.

"I was shocked. And I know this: if Jordan is doing this, it’s got to be a huge payday. Huge."

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) May 28, 2025

Michael Jordan has agreed to a deal with NBC where he will be serving as a contributor. He, reportedly, has bagged a humongous take-home for his new assignment. The rumors have been around that Jordan has signed a $45 million deal with NBC for his role. Speaking more on the development, Wilkins said:

“I love it, because we’re going to see another aspect of basketball from the greatest to ever do it. How would you combat that? Like, how would you question his outlook on the game? It’s going to be interesting. They are going to hear it from a guy who has done it on a level that only a few get a chance to achieve.”



Overview of Michael Jordan-Dominique Wilkins rivalry

Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan have a relationship of healthy rivalry. During their playing years, the duo played head-to-head games 48 times, in which Jordan overpowered Wilkins 30-18.

On this day in 1988... Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins had a dunk-contest duel for the ages! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/1iR7mCXe7i

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 7, 2022

Wilkins is an Atlanta Hawks legend who made it to the NBA All-Star 9 times. However, he could never win the title. On the contrary, Michael Jordan won the title six times, cementing himself as the undisputed king of the court.


The Slam Dunk contest of 1988 between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins is one of the key moments that defined their rivalry. The contest went in Jordan’s favor due to a controversial decision.


Jordan and Dominique’s head-to-head games were always electrifying and saw personal shootouts between the two. Their scoring duels give all NBA fans happening moments, which they talk about to date.


Also Read: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/michael-jordans-reported-40-million-nbc-salary-debunked/articleshow/121346918.cms


What is intriguing everybody the most is the fact that, as an NBA contributor, Michael Jordan may need to speak on LeBron James and other contemporary legends. Such talks coming straight from the legend are quite likely to give new dimensions to ongoing debates like NBA GOAT and 'Face of the League'.