Michael Jordan Autographed, Game-Worn Nike Air Ships Sells for Nearly $700K

A piece of basketball history sold at a high price point on Thursday.

Michael Jordan's autographed, game-worn Nike Air Ships sold for $698,500 at a Sotheby's auction on Thursday. The white and red sneakers are from the 1984-85 season, Jordan's rookie campaign.

Jordan's first signature shoe, the Air Jordan 1, would go on to become heavily associated with the Chicago Bulls' legend's early years, but before wearing the Air Jordan 1s, he wore Air Ships. By the time he began his rookie year, he had already signed with Nike, but the brand didn't have his first signature shoe ready, so he decided to wear the Air Ships.

Along with the white and red pair, Jordan would often wear a pair of black and red Air Ships, which were famously banned because the colorway didn't meet the NBA's color requirements at the time.

According to Sotheby's, the pair sold on Thursday was worn on Dec. 2, 1984, during the Bulls' contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, which was also the first time Jordan went up against Magic Johnson.

Chicago won the game behind 20 points from Jordan, who went on to win Rookie of the Year during the 1984-85 season.