Michael Jordan played for two NBA franchises: the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. This overview clarifies each team, the seasons he played, and the context of his stints to answer what teams Michael Jordan played for directly and accurately. The Bulls era defined his legacy, while the Wizards period represented a shorter, later-career chapter. Below, you will find verified team details, season timelines, and outcomes to provide a clear, evergreen explanation of his professional roster history.
Chicago Bulls: Core Tenure and Achievements
First Stint: 1984–1993
Jordan’s foundational NBA tenure was with the Chicago Bulls from 1984–85 through 1992–93. He joined the Bulls after declaring for the 1984 NBA draft, selected third overall. Over this span, he became a global icon and delivered five NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997) and six Finals MVP Awards. This period also included multiple MVP seasons and the defining cultural footprint of “Air Jordan.”
Return: 1995–1998
After a brief retirement for baseball, Jordan returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and completed three additional seasons through 1997–98. He added a sixth championship in 1998 and his second Finals MVP. The Bulls built two distinct championship cores around him, separated by his short hiatus.
Washington Wizards: Brief Late-Career Chapter
2001–2003: Player-Owner Era
From 2001–02 to 2002–03, Jordan played for the Washington Wizards while serving as part-owner. This stint was shorter and coincided with a team rebuild. He averaged strong individual numbers but the Wizards did not reach the playoffs, reflecting a transitional phase in his career and front‑office role.
Season and Team Summary
A concise breakdown of each team and season underscores the direct answer to what teams Michael Jordan played for.
| Team | Season(s) | Playoff Appearances | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 1984–85 to 1992–93 | 9 | 3 (1991, 1992, 1993) |
| Chicago Bulls | 1995–96 to 1997–98 | 3 | 3 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) |
| Washington Wizards | 2001–02 to 2002–03 | 0 | 0 |
Context and Clarifications
It is important to distinguish between teams he played for and teams he influenced off court. Jordan played exclusively for the Bulls and Wizards as a player. His ownership and executive roles with the Charlotte Bobcats were separate from playing time and did not involve suiting up for the team. This distinction keeps the answer focused on actual roster participation. Notably, he also played minor league baseball during his first retirement, but that did not involve NBA teams.
Legacy and Roster Impact
Jordan’s Bulls tenures are widely regarded among the most successful in NBA history, defined by two three-peats and intense rivalries. His Wizards period was shorter and less decorated on the court, but it reflected his evolving role as a player-owner. Understanding these stints clarifies how his career unfolded across organizations and eras, reinforcing that the Bulls and Wizards are the only two teams he officially played for in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Michael Jordan ever play for any team other than the Bulls and Wizards?
- How many championships did Jordan win with each team?
- What years did Jordan play for the Washington Wizards?
- Was Jordan a player-owner with the Wizards?
- Did Jordan play minor league baseball after leaving the Bulls?