Jaden Ivey Waived by Chicago Bulls Amid Controversy

By Ananya Rao / 01.04.2026

Jaden Ivey was considered a top prospect in the 2022 NBA Draft and was expected to be a key player for the Detroit Pistons alongside Cade Cunningham. However, his recent tenure with the Chicago Bulls has come to an abrupt end.

On April 1, 2026, Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls for “conduct detrimental to the team” after he criticized the NBA’s support of the LGBTQ+ community during an Instagram livestream. His comments included a statement about the NBA proclaiming Pride Month, which sparked controversy.

Ivey had joined the Bulls earlier in the season as part of a three-team trade with the Detroit Pistons, where he had previously averaged 16.3 points and 5.2 assists per game during his rookie season. However, his time with the Bulls was short-lived, as he played only four games, starting in three of them.

Injuries have plagued Ivey’s career, including a left fibula fracture that led to his season being shut down in January 2025. He underwent arthroscopic surgery for right knee discomfort in October 2025, stating, “Jesus healed my knee” before being sidelined.

Despite his release, Ivey will receive his full salary of $10.1 million for the season. His public statements about his faith and mental health issues have also become more prominent during his time with the Bulls, contributing to the team’s decision to part ways with him.

Initial reactions to Ivey’s comments and subsequent waiver have been mixed, with some observers expressing concern over the impact on his reputation and future opportunities in the league. The future of Jaden Ivey’s NBA career after being waived is unclear.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential responses from other teams in the league or if Ivey will seek to continue his career elsewhere. As the situation develops, the implications of his comments on his standing within the NBA community will be closely monitored.