Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After Anti-LGBTQ Comments

The No. 5 overall pick in 2022 was released following recent controversial statements.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange hues, conceptually representing a basketball player's silhouette broken down into abstract forms.The Chicago Bulls' decision to waive Jaden Ivey reflects the league's growing emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly waived shooting guard Jaden Ivey after the player made recent anti-LGBTQ comments and religious rants. Ivey, who was acquired by the Bulls in a trade just two months ago, struggled to find his footing with the team and was reportedly working on an exit strategy before his release.

Why it matters

Ivey's controversial statements went against the Bulls' and the NBA's values of inclusion and diversity, leading the team to part ways with the young player. This move highlights the league's zero tolerance policy for discriminatory behavior from its players.

The details

The Bulls acquired Ivey in February in a three-team trade that sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to the Detroit Pistons. However, Ivey failed to make an impact, playing in just four games and starting three. After what he believed was his first career DNP, Ivey told a reporter he was 'no longer the player he used to be' due to knee soreness. Prior to his trade, Ivey had struggled to regain his early-career form with the Pistons.

  • Ivey was waived by the Bulls on March 30, 2026.
  • The Bulls acquired Ivey in a trade in February 2026, just two months before his release.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old shooting guard who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls following controversial anti-LGBTQ comments.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA franchise based in Chicago, Illinois that recently waived player Jaden Ivey after his anti-LGBTQ statements.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm sure people can call it out — I'm not the same player I used to be. (The knee soreness is) why. I'm not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. I'm alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.'”

— Jaden Ivey, Former Bulls Player

The takeaway

The Bulls' decision to waive Jaden Ivey underscores the NBA's commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity, even when it means parting ways with a high draft pick. This move sends a clear message that discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated, even from young players still finding their footing in the league.