Bulls Reveal Reason for Waiving Jaden Ivey

The Chicago Bulls’ decision to waive guard Jaden Ivey on Monday followed a series of developments that had been building behind the scenes.

In an official statement, the Bulls said Ivey was released for “conduct detrimental to the team,” without providing further detail. However, prior reporting indicated the organization had already been working toward an exit strategy before making the move official.

That sequence suggests the decision was not sudden, but rather the result of a situation that escalated over time.

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Exit Strategy Preceded Waiver

Earlier Monday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Bulls were exploring ways to move on from Ivey, signaling internal concerns had developed before the team’s formal announcement.

The use of disciplinary language in the waiver further underscores that the situation reached a tipping point.

While the Bulls have not publicly elaborated on specifics, the timeline points to a broader disconnect between player and organization.

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Social Media Activity Raised Alarm Bells

The situation drew widespread attention following a series of social media posts and livestreams attributed to Ivey over the weekend.

According to NBA analyst Evan Sidery, there was “growing concern” surrounding Ivey’s online activity, which included extended livestreams discussing personal beliefs, religion and his outlook on life and basketball.

In one video circulated on social media, Ivey spoke at length about faith and emphasized that basketball would not matter in the context of spiritual judgment, prompting significant reaction online.

Additional exchanges with fans also drew attention, with Ivey responding to questions about religion and morality in ways that some users described as confrontational or judgmental.

The posts — which also included commentary on religion and broader social topics — generated debate across NBA circles. While the Bulls did not directly cite those remarks in their statement, the timing has led to speculation that the public activity contributed to the decision.

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Brief Tenure With Bulls

Ivey’s time in Chicago was limited following his acquisition at the trade deadline as part of a multi-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons.

He appeared in just four games for the Bulls, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists, but did not establish a consistent role in the rotation.

His availability was also impacted by knee soreness, and the team ultimately shut him down earlier this month for the remainder of the season.

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Career Path Faces Uncertainty

Selected No. 5 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ivey entered the league with significant expectations.

However, injuries — including a major leg injury during the 2024–25 season — limited his availability and impacted his development. After returning, he struggled to regain a starting role before being traded.

The latest development adds further uncertainty as he approaches free agency.

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Bulls Prioritize Stability

From Chicago’s perspective, the move reflects both roster considerations and organizational priorities.

The Bulls have a crowded backcourt and are navigating the final stretch of the regular season, where stability and clearly defined roles become critical.

Addressing potential distractions — whether internal or public — can take on increased importance during that period.

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What Comes Next

Ivey now becomes a free agent and is eligible to sign with another team.

Whether another organization pursues him may depend on additional clarity surrounding his departure, as well as his health and readiness to return to consistent playing time.

For the Bulls, the move closes a brief and complex chapter.

For Ivey, it represents another turning point in a career that once carried significant promise — and now enters a period of uncertainty.

Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo