Pippen and Carter pairing would've led Toronto Raptors to 1999 Finals Run

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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 07: NBA player Vince Carter looks on before Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 7, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

In the 1997 draft, Jerry Krause and the Toronto Raptors were ready to pull a trade for a Scottie Pippen-Tracy McGrady. What would’ve happened if that trade did materialize?

In June 1997, fresh off a second consecutive championship, Jerry Krause, who was all about rebuilding his Chicago Bulls team, had an offer ready for Tracy McGrady and the Toronto Raptors. According to Tracy McGrady on the Jump, Krause was more than interested in a McGrady for Pippen trade to happen. McGrady even said that he flew to Chicago right before the draft to do a physical and had discussions with Jerry Krause about the possibility of the move.

Of course, the deal never materialized and Michael Jordan refused any move that saw Pippen leaving. But let’s say that the deal was agreed upon, and there you have it, Scottie Pippen is a Toronto Raptor. Well, how would have this changed the career trajectory of a young Vince Carter and Toronto Raptors team that was still trying to make a mark on the NBA?

Well, let’s find out.

(This is ALL hypothetical by the way)

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Scottie Pippen and Vince Carter pairing would’ve led Toronto Raptors to 1999 Finals Run

By Alexandro Fidanza | May 4, 2020

In the 1997 draft, Jerry Krause and the Toronto Raptors were ready to pull a trade for a Scottie Pippen-Tracy McGrady. What would’ve happened if that trade did materialize?