Rookie Michael Jordan-worn Nike sneakers could sell for over $500,000

Needless to say, Michael Jordan will forever be synonymous with the sport of basketball. There's a reason he is largely considered the GOAT, with only LeBron James ever coming in as a close second in the race. Given MJ's iconic legacy left from his heyday in the 80s and 90s, any piece of nostalgic memorabilia associated with Jordan skyrockets in value and demand. Just look at Michael Jordan's 1986 Fleer Rookie Card, which if you're fortunate enough to hold with a PSA 10 grade, you own an estimated $130,000+ grail.

Now enter another piece of Jordan-related memorabilia, which can fetch an even loftier price tag - Air Jordan sneakers. Air Jordans are some of the most expensive sneakers on the market, given their nostalgic pull and seemingly worldwide recognizability. Retro Air Jordans, in particular, colorways which MJ wore himself in his prime years are where people chase the hype. Now, what if we told you there's a chance to own a pair of shoes worn by the GOAT himself, in his rookie years no less?

That's exactly where Robert Edward Auctions (REA) enters the fray. They have a pair of game-worn Nike Air Ship sneakers up for grabs, which were cosigned by an ex-ball boy for the Detroit Pistons during three seasons between 1983 and 1986. The Nike Air Ship served as the predecessor to what would later become the Air Jordan 1 model that is so famous today. Crafted by visionary designer Bruce Kilgore, the "Air Ship" debuted in 1984 with its cutting-edge design, which also marked Michael Jordan's inaugural season in the NBA. During the preseason and initial games of his rookie year, Jordan showcased the sleek white and red variation (this being the colorway available for auction), and the striking black and red model that is now iconic with the Air Jordan line.

How much would you be willing to pay for a pair of game-worn Michael Jordan sneakers?

At the time of this writing, the highest bidder currently holds the sneakers at a whopping USD 150,000, with the online-only auction set to close on Sunday, April 21. There have been a total of 11 bids placed thus far, and the auction house expects to garner higher bids as the clock winds down. Many other prominent pieces of sports memorabilia are up for grabs in the auction, consisting of many baseball-related pieces and the previously mentioned PSA 10 graded 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card.

If Michael Jordan-worn sneakers aren't in your interest, then maybe the other player-worn sneakers in the auction will catch your attention like Atlanta Hawks great Dominique Wilkins, original Detroit Pistons "Bad Boy" Isiah Thomas, and Boston Celtics great Robert Parish.