Jason Caffey

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Caffey's journey began in Mobile, Alabama, where he dominated at Davidson High School, earning 1st team All State honors and Gatorade's Player of the Year award. At the University of Alabama, he developed into a formidable presence before joining the Bulls. During the 1996–97 championship run, Caffey started five playoff games, becoming one of eleven Bulls players to start a playoff game during their title runs. His time in Chicago was marked by high expectations but cut short by a trade that drew criticism from teammates; Michael Jordan noted David Vaughn had never been seen in uniform, while Dennis Rodman called the move "dumb." Before the 1998–99 season began, Caffey re-signed with the Warriors on a massive 7-year, $35 million contract. He subsequently joined the Milwaukee Bucks on June 27, 2000, playing three more seasons before personal struggles, including an anxiety attack in 2002 and an assault charge in 2003, led to his career fading out. The Bucks bought out his remaining $11.8 million contract before the 2003–04 season.

In Their Own Story

The trade on February 19, 1998, marked a pivotal turning point for Caffey and the Bulls organization. In exchange for David Vaughn and two second-round picks, the franchise parted ways with a player who had contributed to their back-to-back titles. The move was not well-received by key figures; Michael Jordan famously remarked that Vaughn "never been in uniform," suggesting the return was lackluster, while Dennis Rodman labeled the transaction "dumb." Despite this turbulent exit from Chicago, Caffey found immediate financial success with the Golden State Warriors, securing a 7-year, $35 million deal. His peak performance came during the 1999–2000 season, where he posted career highs of 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, proving his value before his path led to Milwaukee in June 2000.

Reader's Guide

Jason Caffey's professional timeline is defined by specific dates and transactions recorded in the source. Drafted 20th overall in 1995 from Alabama, he played for the Bulls until February 19, 1998. His career trajectory includes a significant re-signing with Golden State before the 1998–99 season on a $35 million deal, followed by a move to Milwaukee on June 27, 2000. After three seasons in Milwaukee, his NBA career concluded amidst legal and personal issues, culminating in a buyout of his remaining $11.8 million contract prior to the 2003–04 season. Beyond basketball, Caffey returned to his roots as an administrator; on June 18, 2010, he was named head coach of the American Basketball Association's Mobile Bay Hurricanes. He also entered local politics in July 2021, announcing a run for the city council district 2 seat in Mobile, Alabama.

Did You Know?

• Caffey started five playoff games during the Bulls' 1996–97 championship run, making him one of eleven players to start a playoff game amid those title runs.
• Michael Jordan criticized the trade that sent Caffey to Golden State, noting that David Vaughn had never been seen in uniform.
• Caffey signed a 7-year, $35 million contract with the Warriors before the 1998–99 season and later had his remaining $11.8 million contract bought out by the Bucks.