The NBA world knew Dennis Rodman for his more extravagant pursuits off the court and for living the lifestyle of a true celebrity. But that’s not how his life in the league began, by his admission.
Dennis Rodman was drafted in the second round in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He was the 27th overall pick and, as such, wasn’t making huge money right off the bat. He compared his early salary to working in a department store.
“Oh man, let’s see, well compared to today… Oh my God, like working in K-Mart,” Rodman told DJ Vlad about his first NBA contract. “That’s how big that contract was. It was something like 75-80 grand, at the most. I worked after the NBA for two years… It’s like, 80 what the hell?”
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In his first year in the NBA, Rodman was paid $75,000, while in his second and third year, he made $160,000 combined. After taxes, he probably made something around $70K-$80K per year in those years. He would go on to make $880,000 in his fourth year in the league, and it only went upwards from there.
As his first major deal, Rodman signed a 5-year contract worth over $10 million with the Pistons in 1991. He made the bulk of his money from the league in his time with the Chicago Bulls, playing on one-year deals and making a total of $16 million in three years while winning three championships. He eventually retired, having earned about $27 million in his career.
Dennis Rodman Could Have Earned $20 Million In One Go If He’d Taken Madonna Up On Her Offer
NBA salary isn’t the only way a star can make money. Most get endorsements, shoe deals, and other such opportunities that end up making them a lot more than they did in the league. Rodman being Rodman, he had the wildest chance to earn $20 million anyone has ever had, courtesy of him being involved with Madonna.
“She asked me that if I got her pregnant she’d pay me $20 million,” Rodman said.
He didn’t end up going through with it, but it’s hilarious to think he could have almost doubled his career earnings in a matter of a few hours. Rodman lived a life like very few other people have, experiencing the highest highs and some of the lowest lows. He’s no longer quite rich, he’s not even worth $1 million, according to reports, but he’ll always find ways to make some money.
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