Michael Jordan Fascination Only Reason Zion Williamson Turned Down Bigger Offers

Zion Williamson's ultimate fascination of Michael Jordan may have been the only reason why the rookie turned down bigger shoe deal offers to signs with the Jordan Brand.

Jordan Brand just welcomed Williamson into their family after finally closing a shoe deal just a few days ago. The deal reportedly reached $75 million and is just behind LeBron James' rookie season shoe deal as the second-biggest shoe deal ever for an NBA rookie.

But what makes the Williamson-Jordan Brand deal even more notable is the fact that the rookie out of Duke University had turned down more money just to be a part of the GOAT's brand.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Aaron Dodson of The Undefeated, who has also been covering NBA players' shoe deals for quite some time, said that it is "obvious" Williamson turned down huge amounts of money from other brands.

"Yes, he obviously turned down huge offers from other companies," Dodson said.

Dodson also believes Williamson truly recognizes the greatness of Jordan and it may have helped Williamson a lot in finalizing his decision to sign with Nike's sub brand.

"There's a lot of value in being in the Nike family, and being under the Jordan Brand. Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time and I think Zion really recognize that," Dodson stated.

Williamson's statement after the deal just proved that he is really looking forward to his Jordan Brand journey.

"I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand family. Since I was a kid, I dreamed of making it to the league and having the type of impact on the game Michael Jordan had and continues to have today. He was one of those special athletes I looked up to, and I really can’t express how happy and excited I am for this journey," Williamson said.

Indeed, Williamson is a special kind of player. But the brand sees a unique character in Williamson which they believe is quite similar to Jordan's. According to Jordan Brand, they see something special about Williamson that reminds them of a young MJ.

Jordan himself is convinced that Williamson has the capability to "shock the world."

“Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring. He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do," Jordan said.