Key Takeaways:
– Chicago Bulls’ star, DeMar DeRozan, becomes spotlight in current off-season due to rapport with the Bulls and a mention in a rap song.
– DeRozan was recently referenced in a track by Kendrick Lamar, amidst a rap tussle with Drake.
– The song by Lamar where DeRozan was highlighted has garnered massive attention on YouTube.
– Despite speculation, a contract renewal has not been finalized between DeRozan and the Bulls.
Riding the Bull’s Charge: DeMar DeRozan’s Offseason Spotlight
The Chicago Bulls’ offseason buzz centers around the team’s star player, DeMar DeRozan. But it’s not his impending free agency creating the stir. A mention in a Kendrick Lamar track and a connection to Drake have placed DeRozan in a unique spotlight. Despite reported mutual interest between the Bulls and DeRozan, the team’s keenness to retain him, and potential contract negotiations, it appears DeRozan’s past and music industry ties are currently dominating the headlines.
DeRozan’s Journey in the NBA
Drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the Compton, California-born player made significant strides in his professional basketball career. He made nine seasons and five playoff appearances with the Raptors before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2019. The Spurs then traded him to the Chicago Bulls three years later.
Mingling Music and Sports: The DeRozan-Lamar Connection
These career milestones form a unique backdrop to DeRozan’s recent mention in Kendrick Lamar’s verse during an ongoing feud with Drake, one of the Raptors’ franchise faces. The line in question, “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, ya’ll didn’t deserve him neither,” from Lamar’s trending song, “Not like Us,” frankly states Lamar’s opinion of DeRozan’s move away from Toronto.
DeRozan and Lamar share more than just their Compton roots. The two have a longstanding friendship traced back to their high school years. This connection between the hip-hop star and NBA player hits an interesting chord amidst Lamar’s rap beef with Drake.
This track, released during the Game 1 of the Denver Nuggets versus Minnesota Timberwolves match, has become the most viewed video on YouTube within the past 24 hours, accumulating over 15.6 million views. DeRozan, however, has yet to publicly respond to Lamar’s lyrical mention.
A Previous Laudable Connection Turns Competitive
The recent mention in Lamar’s verse signifies a shift in DeRozan and Lamar’s relationship, previously recognized for their combined social activism efforts and mental health advocacy. DeRozan has publicly praised “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” a song from Lamar’s critically acclaimed album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city”.
DeMar DeRozan’s Contract Scenario
As the offseason progresses, DeRozan’s future in Chicago remains uncertain. His $81.9 million contract is set to expire, leaving the Bulls with the task of considering whether retaining DeRozan is worth their investment. Even though the player and the team express mutual intent in renewing the contract, speculations suggest that the Bulls may have to overpay to keep their star player.
Age, performance, and Bulls’ pursuit of mediocrity thereof be factors in the negotiation process. DeRozan is turning 35 this August, an important consideration in terms of long-term player viability. His current playing efficiency and future potential might dictate the fate of his contract renewal with the Bulls.