Jun 24, 2016 My phone was ringing and ringing, but I had no idea. It was on silent. I was in the middle of an interview, cameras on me. I couldn’t make this up: I was talking about Chicago. The city, the basketball scene I came up in. How that city raised me, made me the man I am today. A few minutes later I peeked at it and saw the notifications — missed calls, text messages, voicemails, all from my agent BJ. I called back and he told me: I was about to be traded to the New York Knicks. “It might happen,” he said. That means it’s going to happen. He wanted me to be mentally prepared. I had a feeling for a few weeks that a trade could be in the works. But I didn’t know for sure. There were rumors going around that I could be moved soon, and of course you hear that stuff and try to ignore it. That’s impossible. But I never let it really sink in. The first thing I thought about was my son PJ. It’s hard enough to find time to see him during the season even when I’m in Chicago. Now I’ll be in New York, hours away. It’s a lot of miles. I know this is part of being an NBA player, though. We’ll find a way to make it work. I owe him that. I’m so excited to move to New York City. I’ve never spent much time there—the most time I’ve been there is two or three days, and never really during the summer. Now it’ll be a solid seven months. Chicago’s a big city, but it’s kinda chill, not fast-paced like New York. Joakim Noah, who’s like a brother to me, is from Manhattan, and he’s told me a lot about it. I’m going to soak up as much knowledge about the city as I possibly can. Chicago made me who I am. It’s tatted on my wrist. I was raised in my grandmother’s house on South Paulina Street in Englewood. Being drafted by the Bulls, becoming an All-Star and an MVP on the Bulls, helping the them make the playoffs — all of that was a dream come true. I’ll never forget it. I’ve carried Chicago with me everywhere I’ve gone, from around the country to all over the world. I always will. I understand that this is a business and the Bulls have their plans, their own ideas with what direction they want to go with the team, but I’m gonna use this as motivation. I was with them for eight years and they let me go. There’s no hard feelings, no grudges. They’re trying to do what’s best for the team. I totally understand that. But I don’t think I would be wrong for using this as motivation. After I hung up the phone with BJ, all sorts of emotions flowed through me. I was shocked. Anxious. I knew there was so much to handle right away, and it was all hitting me at once. Things I need to take care of — business, endorsements, where I’m going to live, who’s coming with me. I want to focus on nothing but basketball. I just want to let my game speak for itself. My voice will always be loudest on the court. I’m 27 years old — there’s still so much ahead for me. I really believe this trade is a blessing. After all of the emotions passed through me, I started to realize how pumped I am for what comes next. I’m going to be playing alongside Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. This is an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait. I’m ready for New York.
Jun 24, 2016 Gonna mail poohdini a gift basket or some s--- to cheer him up, been a rough week for ya. Or I guess I could get you a Robin Lopez jersey to celebrate your newest addition to the team but you probably wouldn't be too excited about that one.
Jun 24, 2016 Man he's so d--- humble. Everyone's laughing n s--- but he went on to explain he's thankful for the memories and for landing in a good spot with the Knicks. Classic Rose. You aren't kidding. Bulls are in medicrity, no Thibs, no Rose, no Jo. Get to watch NY go crazy about Derrick. Sucks man but I wish him nothing but the absolute best.
Jun 24, 2016 Yeah but honestly it's probably almost better for the bulls long term if they s--- next year, maybe get a top draft pick. I heard someone say next year's draft is loaded, don't necessarily know if that's true or not but could be. It's almost better in the NBA to be awful than be like 10th in the conference or something, miss the playoffs and not get a top pick.
Jun 24, 2016 Man idk I'm still too upset to even think about it. Maybe when the season starts and I see him in the uni I will.
Jun 24, 2016 Can't help it bruh. I almost threw up when I saw him taking a picture with Spike Lee in a Knicks polo. Yeah probably just him reciting his feelings to someone. Same s--- Bron did with his coming home letter.
Jun 25, 2016 @Poohdini thoughts on the Bulls going with Denzel Valentine in the draft? And what is with the Bulls selecting players with romantic names? First Rose, now Valentine, and if you go back into history you also got Bob Love.
Jun 25, 2016 It's a safe pick. He's got a really high floor. Didn't blow me away when I saw him in college but he'll be solid.
Jun 25, 2016 I wish man. Idk what position he's gonna play but hopefully he's gonna be good. Not much better you can do at #14.
