Tracy McGrady entered the NBA in 1997 and kickstarted his career with the Toronto Raptors. The Hall of Famer, however, had revealed that things might have ended up differently for him if Michael Jordan had given his approval.

The Chicago Bulls won the 1997-98 NBA season and completed their second three-peat in eight years. Though Jordan and Scottie Pippen fired them to their sixth title together, former Bulls general manager wanted a trade involving McGrady and Pippen prior to the start of the season. 

Michael Jordan vetoes McGrady’s trade

Tracy McGrady made a recent appearance on ‘The Jump’ in which he unearthed a topic that may have caused a shift in the Bulls’ dynasty.

Bulls GM Jerry Krause brought him to Chicago for a meeting regarding a trade deal involving Scottie Pippen. Apparently, Krause wanted McGrady with the team for the 97-98 season. 

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Pippen was about to enter the final year of his contract, and the Bulls wanted a rebuild by trading him to the Raptors on draft night. Krause tried to land an agreement with the Raptors and McGrady before Michael Jordan called him and axed the trade. 

Jordan was quick to rush to the aid of his compatriot. Jordan wanted Pippen to stay with the Bulls for one more year. As recorded in history, they went on to win the title that year, achieving the second three-peat of their careers.

If McGrady was allowed to sign with the Bulls sending Pippen out, the Bulls’ dynasty could have collapsed. It opens up the door for speculation. It develops into a hypothetical situation where a debate opens up on either outcome. The entire course of NBA history could have been changed.

However, Jordan felt the need to call off the trade, which he did. His partnership with Pippen evolved into a dynamic one and they ran riots against their opponents. Their demanding chemistry on the court set a high flying standard in the NBA. 

McGrady on the other hand, has juggled past seven teams in his NBA career. The immensely talented forward made seven All-Star appearances but failed to capture a league title in his run for glory. His injury troubles deprived him of the potential he had, but several players still idolize him for his talent and the trouble he brings with him on game night.