What Is Juwan Howard’s Net Worth?
Juwan Howard, a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $80 million. This financial success is a result of his lucrative NBA career, endorsement deals, and his transition into coaching.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Born on February 7, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois, Juwan Howard’s upbringing was primarily guided by his maternal grandmother, Jannie Mae Howard, who became his adoptive parent. He attended Chicago Vocational Career Academy, where he excelled both academically as an honors student and athletically as a center on the basketball team. His performance earned him All-American honors, attracting attention from various universities, ultimately leading to his decision to attend the University of Michigan.
At Michigan, Howard was a key member of the “Fab Five,” alongside Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. The team reached the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship finals in both 1992 and 1993. Though the University of Michigan Basketball scandal led to the forfeiture of many records from the 1990s, Howard was not personally implicated, and his 1993-94 All-American season remains a recognized achievement.
Selected by the Washington Bullets as the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, Howard quickly made an impact. Following an All-Rookie first season and an All-Star and All-NBA second season, he secured a landmark contract, becoming the first NBA player to sign a $100 million deal. This seven-year, $105.4 million contract with the Bullets marked a significant milestone in his career earnings.
Howard’s NBA journey included stints with several teams after his time with the Washington Bullets/Wizards until 2001. He played for the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats, and Portland Trail Blazers. In 2003, he signed a five-year, $29.5 million deal with the Orlando Magic. This constant movement underscores the demand for his skills and the financial opportunities available to him throughout his career. He later joined the Miami Heat in 2010, where he experienced his first NBA Finals appearance.
Howard won his first NBA championship with the Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals and secured a second championship the following year. Over his 19-year NBA career, Howard accumulated more than $149 million in salary alone, reflecting his consistent performance and value to various teams.
Coaching Career and Earnings
After retiring from professional basketball in 2013, Howard transitioned into coaching, initially serving as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat for six seasons. In 2019, he accepted the head coaching position for the University of Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team.
His success in leading the Wolverines led to numerous coaching awards during the 2020-2021 season, highlighted by the team’s appearance in the Big Ten championship game. While specific contract details for his coaching role at Michigan are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume a competitive salary commensurate with his experience and the program’s stature.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
In 1996, Howard invested in real estate, purchasing a townhome in the River North area of Chicago for $490,000. This early investment demonstrates his understanding of asset diversification and long-term financial planning.
Further expanding his real estate portfolio, in 2009, he acquired a $2.55 million three-bedroom unit in the Trump International Hotel & Tower, spanning 3,000 square feet. This high-end purchase reflects his financial success and preference for luxury accommodations.
In 2005, Howard made a significant real estate investment in South Florida’s Gables Estates, acquiring a 3.5-acre property for $11.775 million. His plan was to build a custom house and a dock for his yacht, which he named “Fab 5”. After winning the 2012 Heat championship, he sold the home within a week for $10 million.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Juwan Howard married Jenine Wardally in 2002, and they have two sons, Jace (born in 2001) and Jett (born in 2003). He also has another son, Juwan Howard Jr., born in 1992 to Markita Blyden. Howard has six children in total from four different women. His commitment to family life is evident in his ongoing support and involvement in his children’s lives.
Howard founded the Juwan Howard Foundation, dedicated to assisting underprivileged youth in Washington, D.C., and Chicago through basketball programs. His efforts earned him recognition in 2001 by “The Sporting News” as one of the “Good Guys in Sports” and the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2010.
Beyond basketball, Howard has made appearances in television shows and films, including “The West Wing” (1999 episode “The Crackpots and These Women”) and the 1994 film “Hoop Dreams.” These ventures, while not directly contributing significantly to his overall net worth, demonstrate his versatility and willingness to explore different avenues.