Bulls Players React To The Portis/Parker Trade

Certainly, Otto Porter is the most important piece of yesterday’s shocking trade.

Still, the locker room lost two prominent figures in Jabari Parker and especially Bobby Portis. Parker, whose homecoming didn’t go nearly according to plan, spoke briefly with reporters before tip-off last night once the news broke.

Jabari Parker on his ill-fated homecoming: "It’s growth. I’m a positive guy. I never have regrets. I grew from this experience, me personally. From a situation that was tricky, I did what I could to grow."

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 7, 2019

Jabari Parker: "I came here because I’m a city kid. I do it for the fans. I tried to do everything I could to show them that I appreciated the city."

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 7, 2019

It’s been said a million times in this city over the last few months that the Parker deal should’ve never happened, and his 39 appearances this season proved that. Tough to see a Chicago high school and community legend struggle so mightily in his hometown.

As far as Portis’ exit, that was more abrupt.

Portis just left the United Center. As recently as yesterday, he talked about wanting to be a Bull long-term. Observers said he looked emotional.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 7, 2019

Bobby Portis just left the United Center. All he had with him was a small Louis Vuitton backpack on his back, a pair of shoes and a Bulls jersey. He looked shellshocked.

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) February 7, 2019

Portis was always outspoken about how he loved Chicago and the Bulls. It’s tough to see guys like that go, but at the end of the day, the team and his representation weren’t seeing eye to eye about the impending free agent’s worth.

Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen had nothing but love for their now ex-teammates.