The Chicago Bulls during the 1990s were one of the most impressive teams ever assembled in the history of the NBA. The best player on the team was, without a doubt, Michael Jordan.
But even the best players cannot win NBA Championships in the league without a good supporting cast. It was evident from the fact MJ didn’t have a lot of success in the playoffs during the start of his NBA career.
However, it all changed for Mike when the Chicago Bulls paired him up with Scottie Pippen. Scottie was the perfect second option for MJ, and it was proved when he helped the Bulls win three NBA Championships.
Following that fantastic stint, Jordan retired from the league for the first time, resulting in Pippen becoming the number one option for the Bulls. It was clear that the Bulls management didn’t fully trust Pippen as the team’s primary star and were considering rebuilding the squad.
During the process, the Bulls wanted to trade Pippen to the Seattle SuperSonics and get the dynamic big man, Shawn Kemp, in return.
Shawn Kemp Trade Rumors Almost Caused Riots
Let’s be honest, during the 1990s, basketball fans were simply a lot more passionate about the teams that they were supporting. So when rumors about their favorite player possibly getting traded emerged, fans took matters into their hands to ensure Kemp stayed in Seattle.
Via Complex:
“Ackerley called me and told me they weren’t going to make the trade,” Kemp said. “He was telling me people were calling the local radio stations saying they were going to burn down the stadium if I was traded.”
Following these threats, the trade rumors quickly settled down, and no trade happened between the two teams. While Kemp got a partner in Gary Payton, Pippen went back to being the secondary superstar to Mike following his return.
This wasn’t the only time Pippen was almost traded to another team, there have been five times when Scottie was almost traded. But Pippen spent the prime of his career with the Bulls and contributed to the Bulls’ quest to win six NBA Championships.
