It's the time when there are no games for the Chicago Bulls but DeMar DeRozan is a major topic. It’s not just because of his upcoming free agency.
According to reports, the Bulls and DeRozan want to continue working together. Money and the team's chances of winning could be issues. But it's DeRozan's history that has people talking about him on social media.
The Toronto Raptors selected the six-time All-Star and Compton, California native.
After nine seasons and five playoff appearances, the Raptors traded DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in 2019. The Spurs traded DeRozan to the Bulls three years later.
But that initial trade and his connections made DeRozan a good match for a verse in a song by rapper Kendrick Lamar during the latter's ongoing back-and-forth feud with fellow artist Drake. Drake is from Canada and was one of the faces of the Raptors franchise.
“I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, ya’ll didn’t deserve him neither,” Lamar raps on “Not Like Us.”
DeRozan and Lamar are friends. They were separated by two years and three miles in high school. That made the Bulls star a fitting connecting piece for the West Coast rapper.
Lamar released the track during Game 1 of the Denver Nuggets’ second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It is currently the most popular video on YouTube with 15.6 million views in the last 24 hours.
DeRozan has not responded to the mention publicly.
DeMar DeRozan Involved in Drake-Kendrick Lamar Rap Feud
This mention is an unexpected turn in their previously positive connection that includes their social activism and efforts to raise awareness about mental health.
DeRozan’s most enthusiastic public support is his endorsement of “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” a song from Lamar’s second and most widely praised album entitled “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” which came out in 2012.
That song sheds light on the challenges of daily life in Compton and similar areas.
This recent mention is meant as a jab at a rival in the music industry. Drake has referenced the Bulls star before, saying, “My city love me like DeMar DeRozan,” in “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” in 2021.
If this is the most newsworthy thing about DeRozan this offseason, it's good news for the Bulls.
Bulls Contemplating Key Decision on DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan’s three-year, $81.9 million contract ends this offseason. Despite both sides wanting him to stay, no agreement has been reached. There is speculation that the Bulls will offer a large amount to keep DeRozan in town.
DeRozan is turning 35 years old in August, but is still effective at this point in his career.
But that's just one part of what the Bulls have to think about.
“He didn't perform well defensively this season, according to Dunks and Threes‘ estimated plus-minus (one of the most trusted all-encompassing metrics in NBA,” Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey wrote on May 1. “His reputation and the fact that this is a relatively weak free-agent class mean he’ll probably sign another contract that will pay him around $20 million annually, but that will feel burdensome by the end of the deal.”
Bleacher Report’s Conor Hughes wrote on May 5 that the Bulls are likely to be very committed to bringing DeRozan back.
After not making the playoffs for the past two years, it's reasonable to question whether DeRozan might decide to take action. He may choose to join a different team that has a better opportunity to compete for a championship.
