Pippen’s Status May Determine Jordan’s Fate Report Claims Bulls Superstar Will Stay If His Teammate Does

At least three of Michael Jordan’s teammates say the superstar’s future with the Chicago Bulls depends more on the team retaining Scottie Pippen than it does on keeping Phil Jackson as coach, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The newspaper said the players, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Jordan wants Pippen to return and is less concerned with Jackson’s plans. Pippen becomes a free agent after the season.

The coach repeatedly has said he plans to leave the Bulls after this season, and management has made no move to change his mind. Jordan has said he would play only for Jackson.

“There should never be this type of turmoil on a championship team when an organization is about to win their sixth championship,” Jordan said last week.

“I felt we were treated better when we hadn’t won than when we won five. This organization bent over backward for us, had a better appreciation for us when we were on the verge of winning. Now we’re on the verge of winning six, it’s a different approach. It’s a waste.”