DeMar DeRozan shares biggest challenge after departing from Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan recently opened up about departing the Chicago Bulls for the Sacramento Kings in free agency. The six-time All-Star touched on the biggest challenge associated with changing NBA teams and the hassle of relocating across the country.
In early July, DeRozan joined the Kings on a three-year, $73.9 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade deal. The move ended his three-year Bulls tenure, with Sacramento marking the fourth stop of his career as he enters Year 16.
On “Podcast P with Paul George” Monday, DeRozan was asked about the toughest part of switching teams outside of moving. The Compton, California native highlighted how difficult it has been to regularly be apart from his children the last six years.
“For me, being away from my kids is the toughest because since I left Toronto, my kids, for the most part, have been in LA,” DeRozan said. “So, missing a lot of, you know, if it’s a daddy-daughter dance or something, or my son got an appointment or something. You miss certain things that kind of sting in the moment, kind of put you in a funk when you can’t be there.”
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DeRozan and his partner, Kiara Morrison, have four children who often attend his games. His eldest two daughters, Diar and Mari, were born in 2013 and 2016, respectively, while details about his younger two daughters are reportedly unknown. The star forward also purportedly has three children with his ex-girlfriend named Shavonti.
Fortunately for DeRozan, with Sacramento being part of California, he should be significantly closer to his daughters this upcoming season.
Later in the podcast, DeMar DeRozan also quipped about the inconvenience of packing and shipping all his possessions across the country. According to DeRozan, he has grown so tired of doing so, that he often considers leaving his stuff behind to avoid stress.
“To me, it’s a headache, but it’s more like, ‘Pack this s**t up, and we get it there and we figure it out from there,'” DeRozan said. “And a lot of times, for me, I might even be like, ‘Man, f**k all this s**t. I’ll figure it out when I get to the new place.'”
Also Read: “She killed everybody last year” – DeMar DeRozan reveals details of mentoring JuJu Watkins following viral workout clip
DeMar DeRozan on which city he “claims” as his home
DeMar DeRozan has spent considerable time in Toronto, San Antonio and Chicago over his first 15 seasons. However, according to the three-time All-NBA team selectee, none of those cities compare to Los Angeles.
During his “Podcast P with Paul George” appearance, DeRozan was asked which city he “claims” as his home. He left no doubt about LA still being his preferred place of residence.
“Home, for me, is Los Angeles, California,” DeRozan said. “That is home, for me. Anywhere else is work. It’s work, for me. Like, ‘Alright, I gotta go to work. I work here.'”
DeRozan has long been connected to the NBA’s two LA-based teams, the Lakers and Clippers in rumors. He noted that he even considered joining both squads via free agency this summer. However, at age 35 and locked under contract with Sacramento for three years, his chances of eventually playing for an LA team appear to be dwindling.
Also Read: Domantas Sabonis dismisses age concerns with DeMar DeRozan, sends subtle warning to NBA opponents
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