Michael Jordan Helped “Axe” a Scottie Pippen Trade That Could Have Ended the Bulls Dynasty

Tracy McGrady or T-Mac as he is popularly called, is one of the NBA’s poster boys. Speaking of poster, he was the trendsetter for the iconic board rebound dunk. He went on to become one of Houston’s greatest ever players in their rich history. However, did you know that Tracy once had the opportunity to partner with Michael Jordan? Unfortunately, the deal didn’t go through for a peculiar reason.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were one of the deadliest duos in NBA history. Teaming up for the Chicago Bulls, the pair won 12 titles between them. The guard-forward combination sent shivers down the spines of opposition and knew each other’s game inside out. Interestingly though, Pippen was once on the verge of an ouster from Chicago. But not before ‘His Airness’ came to his rescue.

READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather Flexes His Achievements Outlasting LeBron James’ Career

Michael Jordan prevented Scottie Pippen-Tracy McGrady trade in 1997

During his 15 years in the league, McGrady had successful stints with multiple franchises. Yet, his most noteworthy outing was with the Houston Rockets. Having kick-started his career in 1997, the 7-time All-Star first joined the Toronto Raptors. Shockingly, however, there was once a revelation that Bulls GM Jerry Krause wanted to swap Tracy with Pippen.

The big reveal was made after The Last Dance documentary. Just as a huge fallout erupted between MJ and Scottie, McGrady spoke about how he almost joined the Bulls during the 1997 Draft. “What a lot of people don’t know about that night is that Jerry Krause was actually trying to make a trade for me with Scottie Pippen in it,” McGrady said in an interview. He continued “And Michael Jordan axed that whole deal.”

Can you imagine Pippen being replaced by McGrady? Quite obviously, it would’ve one iconic pair instead of another. Yet, Jordan and Tracy running on the wings would’ve spelled destruction for the rest of the playing field!

WATCH THIS STORY: Anthony Davis, Jarrett Allen, and Other NBA Stars Snubbed From the All-Star Weekend