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Kevin Durant Opinion from Scottie Pippen Triggers Michael Jordan Haters

Published 07/11/2022, 9:00 PM EDT

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With the NBA off-season, there have been many surprises so far. However, not many compare to Kevin Durant putting in a trade request. Analysts have been grilling the two-time champion for not being able to complete the job with the Nets. On the other hand, there is one Bulls legend who stuck his hand out for KD. And this triggered the Michael Jordan haters who came out on Twitter to get a word in.

Scottie Pippen is mostly known for his role with the Chicago Bulls. The six-time champion was Jordan’s running mate. One of the most important pieces in the Bulls dynasty, Pippen is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

Moreover, the NBA Hall of Famer left behind a legacy in Chicago that can’t be replaced. However, after being such a key piece for the Bulls, the franchise let Scottie walk away in 1998. But what was the real reason behind it?

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It all came down to Chicago’s unfair treatment of their second-best player. Likewise, Jordan’s haters came to Pippen’s defense when the Bulls legend defended KD’s decision to put in the trade request.

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Scottie Pippen knows what it feels to be Kevin Durant

Throughout his NBA career, Kevin Durant has made a reputation for constantly being on the move when times get tough. Particularly, it all started when he joined the Golden State Warriors. However, his time with the Nets has been nothing short of hell. The players around him have constantly changed.

In addition, his trusted friend, Kyrie Irving, has been a part-time player for the better part of the last season. Such treatment is what forced the Slim Reaper to look away from Brooklyn. And one person who understands being in such a situation is Scottie Pippen.

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The Bulls legend went through horror with the Bulls over his contract. He came to Durant’s defense and said he sees nothing wrong in his call. Pip said: “It’s what the owners have been doing to the players for years.. I don’t feel bad for what KD is doing at all.”

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Pippen was constantly feuding with the decision-makers of the Bulls. Notably, he had a public disliking towards general manager Jerry Krause and owner Jerry Reinsdorf. However, there was a good reason behind it. Back in 1991, Pippen was going through rough times. However, in desperate need of financial aid, the Bulls saw an opportunity to take full advantage.

They offered Pippen one of the worst contracts in NBA history. They gave him just $18 million for 7 years. Despite salaries booming in the 90s, Reinsdorf refused to renegotiate Pippen’s contract.

READ MORE-“50K Fine Incoming”: Fans Accuse 2 NBA Stars of Tampering as Kevin Durant Trade Rumors Gain Friction

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Pippen was the sixth highest-paid player on the Bulls roster during his prime years. Despite being one of the best players in the league, his salary was ranked 122nd. The disrespect shown towards him forced Pippen to make his move away from Chicago. Hence, in 1998, the Bulls let him enter free agency from where he would sign with the Houston Rockets.

Now with the Nets front office not doing justice to a talent like Durant, do you think the former MVP is right to request a trade? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M