"It becomes more evident that I'll be going somewhere else" - Scottie Pippen on the future with the Bulls after the 1998 NBA title
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Most are aware that the 1998 NBA title won by the Chicago Bulls would be the last for Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson as a trio.
Jerry Krause made it clear that it would be the team’s last dance regardless of how their campaign would turn out.
With Jackson gone and Jordan making it clear he would no longer play if the Zen Master wasn’t the coach, the fate of Pippen remained unclear. However, Pip already gave an inkling that he, too, is likely to follow Jackson and Jordan.
“I do not foresee a return to the Chicago Bulls because with each passing day it becomes more evident that I’ll be going somewhere else,” the seven-time All-Star said when he spoke on WGN Radio via UPI.com.
It was time to make demands
Pippen was undoubtedly someone who could be a star and show the basketball world his craft as the leader of a franchise. He had long been debating with the Bulls about his salary.
Given his accomplishments, Scott wanted a multi-year deal worth roughly $10 to $15 million per season. With the Bulls not budging, the 1994 All-Star Game MVP had a couple of teams in mind. Pippen expressed a desire to play for either the Phoenix Suns or the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the fact that he had just come from back surgery was a concern.
Pip gets his wish fulfilled
With his future still unclear, Pippen played the waiting game to see where Chicago would send him. That turned out to be the Houston Rockets.
Scottie was traded in January 1999 in a sign-and-trade deal. And with a formidable cast of Pippen, Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon, it appears the Rockets were ready to take off. Unfortunately, chemistry problems set in – particularly between Pip and The Chuckster.
Hence, Pippen would find himself on the move again after one season. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, this time teaming up with Steve Smith and Rasheed Wallace.
That hardly helped Scottie get back on track. His efficiency was declining, and the 8-time NBA All-Defensive Team member was never able to recall the form that he had with the Bulls.
Although Pippen has the talent, he was never able to prove he could win an NBA title outside Jordan’s shadow. Both are at odds right now, especially after “The Last Dance” documentary was released.