This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2016
Astonishing relic marks the end of the Atlanta Hawks era in the Hall of Fame career of Pistol Pete Maravich, and the beginning of his affiliation with the New Orleans Jazz. Though no specifics of salary are discussed, the dense legalese provides for one of the most significant reassignments in NBA history as Maravich "...proposes to enter into a formal employment agreement with New Orleans Basketball Club." The three-page typed document is signed on the final page by Jazz owner Sam Battistone and three associates, and finally by "Peter Maravich" on June 22, 1974. All signatures are rendered with 9+/10 boldness. The document itself exhibits original storage folds but is otherwise free of any condition issues of note.
While the brilliant and tragic Maravich is the obvious appeal of this important document, its relevance to the history of the Jazz is equally profound. The 1974-75 season was to be the first of this expansion franchise, and the team needed a marquee player for its launch. Who better to fill that role than the greatest basketball star in LSU history? The Jazz surrendered Dean Meminger, Bob Kauffman, two future first-round draft choices and two future second-round draft choices in order to complete the deal, placing the fate of the team squarely on the shoulders of Maravich. As such, this lot could be considered the prime, seminal text in the story of the Jazz. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA, with an Auction Style Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication.