Has DeMar DeRozan handled his move well? After spending three years with the Chicago Bulls, the 35-year-old small forward was made part of a three-team sign-and-trade deal, allowing him to align with the six-time Division title-winning franchise. DeRozan had some of his best NBA career moments with the Bulls, averaging a high 25.5 points and securing All-Star and All-NBA team honors during the stint. However, if his recent tweet is any indication, regrets seem to be far away from the player’s mind.

Earlier today, the small forward took to his official X account and put out a tweet that read “Tapped in on a different level, Trying to get to it & I’m not ashamed, Doubting who I was for a seco, Now I see it clear & it’s not a game.” The following has been used several times by X users, though its origin continues to remain a mystery. While some people would associate the same rap song, that does not seem to be the case.

During the early stages of the year, there were no clear signs that DeMar DeRozan would choose to exit 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 story by reporter Joe Cowley, the franchise’s decision to trade off Alex Caruso in exchange for Josh Giddey was “the final straw” for the player. The decision to trade a veteran star and a great perimeter defender in exchange for a younger defensive showed signs that the Bulls may be heading for a rebuild. Therefore, DeRozan had to choose between continuing to wait under a rebuild situation or leaving to increase the chances of securing his first championship title. Being 35 years of age, waiting does not seem to have been too enticing of an offer.

By letting go of both 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 continue to remain on. Many franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets, had reportedly shown an interest in acquiring the 29-year-old shooting guard. However, despite the enthusiasm amongst franchises to acquire him at his existing $43.03 million pay for the 2024-25 season, LaVine’s exit does not seem imminent.

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

For those who have followed the reasons behind DeRozan’s Bulls’ exit, the tweet may make some sense. Others, however, would be left easily confused.

Fans React as DeMar DeRozan shares cryptic quote on X

No sooner had DeMar DeRozan put up the post when fans descended onto the comments section to share their reaction. One of them did not choose to spin things around, and outright asked “What does this even mean?”

One social media user, who understood what the player may have been attempting to emphasize, handed out his support. Having gotten himself aware of the reasons behind his exit, he revealed being sad, but also glad that DeRozan was getting a new start.

While DeMar DeRozan’s tenure with the Chicago Bulls may or may not have ended on a high note, he was sure to not demotivate his fans. Back in Early July, just hours after the announcement of the sign-and-trade deal, the player took to social media and wrote “And I say Chi City! A Thank you would be an understatement. The love, passion & joy you filled me with for 3 seasons was a dream. It gave me a drive every night to return the feeling.” If there were any doubts that the small forward would not be welcomed in his new home, the same was quickly squashed by the standing ovation and cheers he received after attending his first Kings game, at Golden 1 Center, after signing the deal.

One commenter seemed to believe that the highlighted quote was a reference to the player being at a low point in life. However, this didn’t stop her from empathizing, and urging DeRozan to “keep pushin.”

DeMar DeRozan certainly has had some low points before being rewarded with some high ones. During an interview with the Toronto Star, the 6x NBA All-Star admitted to visibly crying when he found out he was unknowingly traded by the Toronto Raptors after a nine-year journey. He added to that revelation by stating “It f***ed me up, if I’m being honest. I’m more than comfortable talking about it now, but for the longest time it f***ed me up because, that was the place I wanted to be, thought I was going to be, gave everything to.” Now, the player is carving his own path, not even shedding a tear at exiting the Bulls.

One apparent Sacramento Kings fan was ecstatic to have DeRozan in their fold. While he put out a statement, the Bryce James meme that he added to it better portrayed just how the commenter was feeling.

The original ‘Can’t Believe This is My Life’ meme was created by LeBron James, allegedly in response to news anchor Laura Ingraham’s “Shut Up and Dribble” remark. With a hand on his head, standing on a swimming pool, and looking up at the sky with a bright smile and his eyes closed, the player looked to be the epitome of ‘happiness.’ Back in July 2024, LeBron’s youngest son and middle child, Bryce, recreated the meme, giving fans a new meme to share everywhere.

Overall, the reactions were sympathetic towards DeMar DeRozan. While the road ahead is uncertain, he can rejoice in the fact that he is going through it without support.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.