What NBA Teams Did Michael Jordan Play For?

By Sarah Miller · December 31, 2044

Michael Jordan played for two NBA teams during his professional career: the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. He spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to six NBA championships, and later returned from retirement to play two seasons with the Washington Wizards.

Michael Jordan's NBA Career Overview

Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan's professional journey in the NBA spanned 15 seasons across two franchises. His impact on the game, both competitively and culturally, remains unmatched. Below is a breakdown of his team affiliations and key milestones.

Teams Michael Jordan Played For

Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998): Drafted third overall in 1984, Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA titles in eight years during two three-peat runs (1991–1993, 1996–1998).
Washington Wizards (2001–2003): After two retirements, Jordan returned to the NBA as a player-executive with the Wizards, playing two final seasons before retiring for good in 2003.

Chicago Bulls Era: Building a Dynasty

The Chicago Bulls era represents the peak of Michael Jordan's legacy. From his explosive rookie season to his iconic sixth championship, Jordan defined excellence in the 1990s.

Key Achievements with the Bulls

6× NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion

Washington Wizards Comeback

After retiring twice—first in 1993 to pursue baseball and again in 1999 following his second three-peat—Jordan returned to the NBA in 2001 with the Washington Wizards, where he also served as Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Why He Joined the Wizards

Desire to return to competitive basketball
Ownership stake and executive role with the team
Mentorship goal for younger players

Though past his prime, Jordan still showcased elite scoring ability, averaging over 20 points per game in both seasons.

Career Statistics by Team

Team	Seasons	Games Played	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Assists Per Game	Field Goal %
Chicago Bulls	1984–1993, 1995–1998	833	31.5	6.2	5.6	.497
Washington Wizards	2001–2003	142	21.2	5.9	4.4	.416

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a natural decline in performance during Jordan's Wizards years, expected given his age (38–40) and time away from the game. However, his scoring average of 21.2 PPG remained competitive, demonstrating his enduring skill level even in his late career phase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Jordan's Teams

Did Michael Jordan play for any team besides the Bulls and Wizards?

No, Michael Jordan only played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards during his NBA career. He never played for any other professional basketball team in the NBA or overseas.

Why did Michael Jordan leave the Bulls the first time?

Michael Jordan retired in 1993, citing mental exhaustion and a loss of desire to play. The tragic murder of his father earlier that year also deeply affected his decision.

How many seasons did Michael Jordan play with the Washington Wizards?

Michael Jordan played two full seasons with the Washington Wizards: the 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 NBA seasons, appearing in 142 games total.

Was Michael Jordan successful with the Washington Wizards?

While the Wizards did not make deep playoff runs, Jordan still performed at a high individual level, averaging 21.2 points per game. His leadership and work ethic earned respect league-wide, even if team success was limited.

What number did Michael Jordan wear with each team?

Michael Jordan wore #23 with the Chicago Bulls throughout his tenure. During his time with the Washington Wizards, he initially wore #45 upon return from retirement but later switched back to #23 after a few games.