Dennis Rodman was ready to leave Chicago amid 1997 contract negotiations: "There's always a chance I won't be here"

Dennis Rodman and the Chicago Bulls had an uncanny start to the 1997-98 season, coming off contract negotiations. Rodman wasn't too pleased with the initial deal, particularly the part regarding incentive clause victories.

According to the New York Times, Rodman was offered a one-year $4.5 million deal at the time. However, the incentive clause could have earned him up to $9 million for that season.

Dennis was unhappy about the first pitch and wanted Bulls management to give him a better deal. If that didn't happen, he was ready to walk away.

"There's always a chance I won't be here. If it doesn't happen, we go on with our lives. I go home, they stay here. Life seems to work itself out," the legendary forward said .

Rodman's contract clause

Considering he only played in 55 regular season games during the 1996-97 campaign, the Bulls added a clause to his new contract to ensure Dennis suited up for more contests.

Although the deal offered was unusual, the then-Bulls general manager Jerry Krause claimed it was the easiest contract he had ever created. It turns out that it was Rodman himself who designed the deal to be incentive-driven.

When the new contract was drawn up, Rodman ended up with the most lucrative deal he ever got. Better yet, it motivated the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, resulting in him playing the most number of regular season games (80) since joining the franchise in 1995.

A fitting end to a historic run

Bringing back Rodman was essential for the Bulls to complete their second three-peat. It was also the swan song for Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Co. as the organizations laid out plans to rebuild their aging roster.

With Scottie Pippen out for months after undergoing foot surgery, Dennis was Michael's sidekick to start the campaign. Rodman did what he does best—playing defense and grabbing boards. Aside from winning his seventh rebounding title, he would also deliver in the NBA Finals, shackling Karl Malone.

Although Rodman's last season with the Bulls was far from perfect, it was enough to allow the team to end their dynast on a high note.

Related: "Why you got to be the devil all the time?" - When David Robinson was upfront about Dennis Rodman's antics