Pip was ready to move on from the Bulls because he was frustrated with the team.

Scottie Pippen became the undisputed star player of the Chicago Bulls during the 1994/95 season. Michael Jordan retired to pursue his baseball dreams, but Pip was still motivated to win championships. He led the Bulls in most statistical categories during that season, but Scottie wanted to move on from Chicago.

Coach Phil Jackson was still with the team, but Pip was not motivated to stick with the Bulls. He was eager for a new journey, as Jack Silverstein detailed in his book "How the GOAT was Built," where Scottie had some direct quotes.

"I'm hoping teams are thinking about me. I'm still ready to get out of here. I'm looking for a different place, a different team, and a different perspective on my career. I've got 18 days to go. The countdown is on. Just say I'm showcasing myself out here," Pippen said about a potential trade.

The Clippers almost had Pippen

The Los Angeles Clippers sent in a bid for Scottie, but there were better offers for Chicago to send their best player. LAC sent an offer that included their two next first-round Draft picks, which could have given them the second overall pick in 1995 and the first overall pick in 1996.

It would have been a worthy decision, but the uncertainty around getting a shot at prospects rather than tangible players was an issue. Pippen would have taken it because he wanted out of Chicago, but former Clippers player Ron Harper talked him out of the trade because LAC was not the optimal organization back then.

Jordan's return convinced him to stay

MJ announced that he would return to the Bulls just a few days later after the trade talks stopped. Pippen was more motivated to stay with the team after Jordan's return because he knew their dynamic duo could lift the team to championship contention again.

While they stumbled in the 1995 Playoffs as Michael was still getting acclimated, the following three seasons would be another landmark era for the Bulls. They won three straight championships for the second time in that decade, cementing Jordan and Pippen as NBA all-time greats.

That would not have happened if the deal with the Clippers pushed through. Unfortunately, the Clippers could not lock in the deal, because of Harper's comments about the management and fans that discouraged Pip from considering it.

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