Since the "Freeze" incident at the All-Star game, Michael's career had been on the decline. Trust me, Michael will become the next one after the highlights of film and Pat Riley. — USA Today.
Jerry Krause looked at these reports, feeling like he wanted to strangle Jordan. If the Bulls didn't trade away Roger, this season they would have three first-team caliber players, and they could easily clinch the championship with a flick of their fingers!
If Roger wasn't traded, one couldn't imagine any team in the world being able to stop the perimeter of Jordan + Roger + Pippen.
But all of this, because of Jordan's personal grudge, would forever only live in "ifs"!
Krause was in a hurry because if the Bulls really lost to the Magic, he would become the number one fool in history as a general manager.
More anxious than Krause was Nike, whose most badass spokesperson in brand history was visibly falling from grace.
This round of the series was Michael Jordan's last lifeline.