Former Bulls GM Jerry Krause Dead

The man who built the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990’s has died.

FOX’s Chris Hoenig reports:

Michael Jordan was already a member of the Bulls when Jerry Krause was hired as general manager in 1985, but it was Krause who drafted Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, then traded for Bill Cartwright, providing the core of the Chicago team that won three straight titles in 1991, 92 and 93.

And when Jordan decided to un-retire after trying his hand at baseball, Krause signed Ron Harper and added Dennis Rodman, setting up the team’s second three-peat from 1996 to 98.

But it was the tension with Krause that led to Phil Jackson’s leaving the Bulls, as the wheels came off. The GM eventually retiring from the franchise in 2003.

Jerry Krause died Tuesday at age 77 after persistent health issues. Jordan saying in a statement that his heart goes out to Krause’s wife, Thelma, his family and his friends.

The NBA family mourns the loss of Jerry Krause, an outstanding basketball executive and a driving force behind the Bulls’ six NBA titles. pic.twitter.com/Q2CZj6wGhR

? NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2017

Chris Hoenig, FOX News.

Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig