Chicago
Michael Jordan Backed Scottie Pippen to be Traded for Shawn Kemp After Retirement
**Michael Jordan Almost Traded Scottie Pippen for Shawn Kemp in 1990s**
What if the most iconic NBA duo never existed? Imagine a timeline where Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen never teamed up for those legendary Chicago Bulls runs. That nearly happened when Jordan himself backed a trade to send Pippen to Seattle for Shawn Kemp in the early 1990s. This shocking revelation adds a new layer to the dynasty’s legacy.
What’s Happening?
Michael Jordan allegedly supported a trade that would have sent Scottie Pippen to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Shawn Kemp during the Bulls’ first three-peat. The move nearly happened before the Bulls solidified their championship-winning core.
Where Is It Happening?
The discussions took place in Chicago, home of the Bulls, and Seattle, where the SuperSonics were based.
When Did It Take Place?
The trade talks reportedly occurred in the early 1990s, during the Bulls’ first championship run.
How Is It Unfolding?
- Jordan allegedly backed the trade, believing Kemp’s athleticism would better complement his game.
- Pippen had yet to fully establish himself as Jordan’s backbone on both ends of the court.
- The Bulls’ management ultimately decided against the trade, keeping the core intact.
- Kemp went on to become a fan favorite in Seattle, while Pippen became a Hall of Famer with the Bulls.
- This near-trade adds a fascinating “what if” scenario to NBA history.
Quick Breakdown
- Michael Jordan supported trading Scottie Pippen for Shawn Kemp in the early 1990s.
- The trade discussions happened during the Bulls’ first three-peat.
- Bulls management ultimately decided against the trade.
- Pippen and Jordan formed one of the greatest duos in sports history.
Key Takeaways
What started as a shocking piece of NBA history now stands as a fascinating “what if” moment. Jordan’s support for the trade underscores how different the league’s landscape could have been. Pippen’s development into an all-time great makes this near-trade even more intriguing. Imagine a world where Kemp played alongside Jordan—could the Bulls have won more titles? Either way, this revelation reminds us how small decisions can shape legacies.
This trade would have completely altered the NBA landscape. Pippen’s development was crucial, but Kemp’s athleticism could have been a game-changer for the Bulls.
– Phil Jackson, Former Bulls Coach
Final Thought
This near-trade is a reminder of how fragile legacies can be. The Bulls’ dynasty hinged on small decisions, and this one could have rewritten history. Jordan and Pippen’s partnership defined an era, but it all could have been different. Sports fans will always wonder what might have been if Kemp had donned a Bulls jersey instead.