Getting shipped off — especially in the middle of the season — is never easy for any player. New Washington Wizards forward Bobby Portis admitted to this exactly, with the 23-year-old claiming that he too had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that his former team, the Chicago Bulls, traded him.

Such is the business side of the game, and every single player in the league understands this. Nonetheless, this does not make being uprooted and having your whole life (and your family's) turned upside down any easier. Portis recently shared his experience with Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic:

“I took it really tough,” Portis said. “I didn’t see it coming.”

Article Continues Below
More Washington Wizards News
Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) controls the ball against Connecticut Huskies during the second half at Lenovo Center. Thomas Sorber and Joan Beringer
3 players Washington Wizards must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Three silhouettes in Wizards jerseys around 2025 NBA Draft logo
Washington Wizards’ 3 best options for No. 6 pick in 2025 NBA DraftJoshua Valdez ·
Will Dawkins and Michael Winger smile next to 2025 NBA Draft logo
The only blockbuster NBA Draft trade Wizards must pursueJoshua Valdez ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Kristaps Porzingis playing for the Wizards.
Wizards trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis in offseason if Celtics shed salaryBailey Bassett ·
Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20), guard Carlton Carrington (8) and Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) watch for the rebound during the second half at Kia Center.
Wizards’ Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington make wild franchise history with All-Rookie nodsJoshua Valdez ·

This is a very simple statement from the 6-foot-11 big man, but it does carry a lot of weight. It's actually cool that Portis is being completely honest here, and refuses to put up the tough-guy act.

On Saturday, Portis played only his second game for his new squad, and as fate would have it, it would be in a game against the Bulls at the United Center. He logged 29 minutes off the bench, and although his performance against his former team was nothing like his Wizards debut just one evening prior (he dropped 30 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday), Portis still helped his side to victory.

In a revenge game of sorts, the former 22nd overall pick notched a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double, as Portis and the Wizards handed the Bulls their 10th straight home defeat.