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Derrick Rose Trade Splits Englewood Residents

By  Evan F.  Moore and Andrea V. Watson | June 22, 2016 6:26pm 

 Jay Montgomery (l.) and his cousin Jay Brown (r.) are divided on their decision about Chicago Bulls trading Derrick Rose.
Jay Montgomery (l.) and his cousin Jay Brown (r.) are divided on their decision about Chicago Bulls trading Derrick Rose.
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DNAinfo/Andrea V. Watson

ENGLEWOOD — After Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James won the NBA title for his hometown team, many Bulls fans hoped that native son Derrick Rose would one day do the same for them.

When the news Wednesday of Rose being traded to the New York Knicks spread around the city, many of the people in his native Englewood had mixed feelings about the reality of Rose wearing another team's uniform.

"There's no loyalty here in Chicago. He's a hometown hero. He was the most important Chicago basketball player since Benji [Ben Wilson]," said Rahfielle Williams, the owner of Father & Son Barbershop in Englewood. "It's bigger than basketball." 

RELATED: From Simeon To See 'Ya: Derrick Rose's Highs And Lows In Chicago

Some of them not only know Rose as the Bulls' point guard, but also as a man who made countless donations to the funeral services of people who died due to the city's gun violence. 

Resident Jay Brown, 25, said he wasn't happy with the trade.

"How do you trade the heart of the team? I didn't think they would do it," Brown said.

But Brown's cousin, Jay Montgomery, 25, said the trade had to be made because he believes Rose wasn't playing up to his potential. However, he said the team could have gotten more for the former league MVP.

"Great decision for the team. Who they gave him up for, I don't agree," Montgomery said. "They were right to get rid of him because" he making "millions."

Social media reaction echoes what most Englewood residents said about the trade.

Williams told DNAinfo that the people in Englewood have a special connection with Rose, and he believes the franchise should've handled the trade better.

"People love him here. Most people here aren't Bulls fans. They are Derrick Rose fans," Williams said. "A lot of people are upset about it. He brought the Bulls back into the limelight."

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