DeMar DeRozan’s “Not Ashamed” Tweet Sparks Confusion Over Bulls’ Misery & Zach LaVine’s Uncertain Status

HAS DeMar DeRozan How did his trade go? After spending three years with the Chicago Bulls, the 35-year-old forward was included in a three-team sign-and-trade deal that landed him a six-time division champion franchise. DeRozan had some of the best moments of his NBA career with the Bulls, averaging 25.5 points and earning All-Star and All-NBA honors during that time. However, if his recent tweet is any indication, regrets seem to be far from the player’s mind.

Earlier today, the attacker took to his official X account and posted a tweet that read: “I’ve reached a different level, I’m trying to get there and I’m not ashamed, I doubted who I was for a second, now I see clearly and it’s not a game.” The following term has been used several times by X users, although its origin remains a mystery. Although some people associate the same rap song with this term, this does not appear to be the case.

At the beginning of the year, there was no clear sign that DeMar DeRozan would choose to leave the Chicago Bulls. Therefore, the decision to personally put his name forward for a trade certainly came as a surprise. According to a Chicago Sun-Times article by reporter Joe Cowley, the franchise’s decision to trade Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey was “The straw that broke the camel’s back” for the player. The decision to trade a veteran star and a great perimeter defender for a younger defender showed signs that the Bulls might be headed for a rebuild. As a result, DeRozan had to choose between continuing to wait in a rebuilding situation or leaving to increase his chances of winning his first championship. At 35, waiting doesn’t seem like a very attractive offer.

By getting rid of Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso, the Bulls have put themselves in a precarious and confusing position. The departure of two veterans would indicate a rebuild with young players, but Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic remain in place. Many franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets, would have expressed interest LaVine has been the focus of much attention in the acquisition of the 29-year-old guard. However, despite the franchises’ enthusiasm for acquiring him for his current salary of $43.03 million for the 2024-25 season, LaVine’s departure does not appear imminent.

The same was also referenced by Bulls vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas, who said: “We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp. I think he can help this group next year.” So while Zach LaVine and his fans might remain confused about the future, DeMar DeRozan has detached himself from it.

For those who have been following the reasons for DeRozan’s departure from the Bulls, the tweet may make sense. Others, however, would be easily confused.

Fans React As DeMar DeRozan Shares Cryptic Quote About X

No sooner had DeMar DeRozan posted his message than fans rushed to the comments section to share their reactions. One of them didn’t choose to beat around the bush and asked outright “What does that mean?”

One netizen, who understood what the player might be trying to point out, offered his support. Having learned the reasons for his departure, he revealed that he was sad, but also happy that DeRozan could make a fresh start.

While DeMar DeRozan’s stint with the Chicago Bulls may have ended on a positive note, he didn’t want to dishearten his fans. In early July, just hours after the sign-and-trade deal was announced, the player took to social media and wrote: “And I say Chi City! Thank you would be an understatement. The love, passion and joy you filled me with for 3 seasons was a dream. It made me want to return the favor every night.” If there were any doubts that the forward wouldn’t be welcome in his new home, they were quickly dispelled by the standing ovation and cheers he received after attending his first Kings game, at the Golden 1 Center, after signing the contract.

One commenter seemed to believe the highlighted quote was referring to the player who was at a difficult point in his life. However, that didn’t stop her from showing empathy and urging DeRozan to “keep pushing.”

DeMar DeRozan has certainly had some tough times before he was rewarded with some great ones. In an interview with the Toronto Star, the six-time NBA All-Star admitted to visibly crying when he learned he had been unknowingly traded by the Toronto Raptors after a nine-year journey. He added to that revelation by saying “To be honest, it fucked me up. I’m more than happy to talk about it now, but for a long time it fucked me up because it was the place I wanted to be, where I thought I was going to be, where I gave it my all.” Now, the player is making his own way, without even shedding a tear as he leaves the Bulls.

An apparent Sacramento Kings fan was thrilled to have DeRozan back in the fold. While he did release a statement, the Bryce James meme he added to it best described how the commenter felt.

The original “I can’t believe this is my life” The meme was created by LeBron James, allegedly in response to news anchor Laura Ingraham “Shut up and drool” note. With one hand on his head, standing on a pool, and looking up at the sky with a bright smile and closed eyes, the player seemed to be the embodiment of ‘happiness.’ In July 2024, LeBron’s youngest son and middle child, Bryce, recreated the meme, giving fans a new meme to share far and wide.

Overall, the reaction has been favorable to DeMar DeRozan. While the road ahead is uncertain, he can take heart from the fact that he’s traversing it without support.

Before you go, don’t forget to check out this cross between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.