when did michael jordan retire

Michael Jordan retired from the NBA three times in his career. His first retirement was announced on October 6, 1993, when he was 30 years old and at the peak of his career, shortly after winning his third consecutive NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. This decision was influenced by various factors, including the murder of his father earlier that year and a loss of motivation for basketball. He returned to the NBA on March 19, 1995, after about a year and a half away. Jordan retired a second time in January 1999 amid NBA management changes and a lockout. His final retirement came after the 2002-03 NBA season, when he was 40 years old, after playing for the Washington Wizards following his second comeback. Thus, key retirement dates were October 6, 1993 (1st retirement), January 1999 (2nd retirement), and 2003 (final retirement).