Michael Jordan talks about the failed Scottie Pippen-Shawn Kemp trade

Michael Jordan was grateful that Scottie Pippen wasn't traded for Shawn Kemp.

© Anne Ryan-USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Their relationship may have soured through the years, but there was a time when Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan gushed about his teammate Scottie Pippen, admitting that he was one of the reasons that he returned to play in the NBA after a brief hiatus in the early 90s.

Attempted trade

In the summer of 1994, the Bulls had just won their third straight NBA title. Jordan, though, retired to pursue a baseball career, and his former team entertained thoughts of trading away Pippen for athletic forward Shawn Kemp. Fortunately for the Bulls, that deal did not prosper, and Jordan eventually returned to the Bulls in 1995, citing the presence of Pippen as one of the main reasons for his return.

"He's one of the reasons I came back. If he leaves, I'm leaving again," Jordan said. "As much as I admire Shawn Kemp's ability, I'm so happy that they didn't make that trade."

MVP contender

Though the Bulls didn't believe Pippen could put the team on his back without Jordan, the long-limbed forward proved them wrong during the 1993-1994 campaign. He averaged 22.0 points. 8.7 rebounds. 5.6 assists and 2.9 assists that season, earning a spot on the All-NBA First Team and finishing third in the MVP race.

"A lot of people doubted Scottie Pippen for a long period of time, and you know, he's become like a little brother to me. I am very happy that he has come back today and answered a lot of critics. And to see him grow so much in the last eight years, it's truly a blessing for the city of Chicago," Jordan said.