Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After Controversial 'Jesus Healed My Knee' Comments

Rookie's season ended early after dispute over his readiness to return from injury

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The Chicago Bulls waived rookie Jaden Ivey after a string of controversial comments, including Ivey claiming 'Jesus healed my knee' and that he was ready to play despite the team's medical staff shutting him down for the season to rehab his surgically repaired left knee. The situation escalated quickly, with Ivey expressing frustration over the team's decision and the Bulls ultimately parting ways with the young player.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the complex dynamic between players, teams, and medical decisions, especially when personal faith and beliefs clash with standard medical protocols. It also raises questions about team control, player autonomy, and how organizations handle delicate situations involving injured players who may have differing views on their readiness to return.

The details

After being traded from the Detroit Pistons, Jaden Ivey played only four games for the Bulls before the team decided to shut him down for the season to rehab his left knee. Ivey, however, claimed that 'Jesus healed my knee' and that he was ready to play, even though the Bulls were not making the playoffs. The team ordered an MRI and ultimately made the decision to end Ivey's season, leading to a wave of controversial comments from the rookie. Ivey expressed frustration over the team's decision, saying 'Why is it that they shut my season down and I said I didn't want to?' The situation escalated, and the Bulls ultimately decided to waive Ivey following his outspoken remarks.

  • Ivey played only 4 games for the Bulls before being shut down on March 26, 2026.
  • Ivey was waived by the Bulls shortly after the team's decision to end his season.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A rookie player for the Chicago Bulls who was traded from the Detroit Pistons. Ivey claimed 'Jesus healed my knee' and that he was ready to play, despite the team's decision to shut him down for the season to rehab his surgically repaired left knee.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that traded for Jaden Ivey and ultimately decided to shut him down for the season and waive him following his controversial comments.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'I'm ready. Jesus healed my knee.'”

— Jaden Ivey, Bulls Player

“God healed my knee and I said I was ready to play and I was willing and they're losing anyways... They're not making the playoff. So what does it matter?”

— Jaden Ivey, Bulls Player

“Why is it that they shut my season down and I said I didn't want to?”

— Jaden Ivey, Bulls Player

What’s next

The Bulls have not indicated any plans to re-sign Jaden Ivey, and he is now a free agent available to sign with any NBA team.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges that can arise when a player's personal beliefs and sense of readiness clash with a team's medical assessments and decisions. It underscores the need for open communication, mutual understanding, and a collaborative approach to managing player health and return-to-play timelines.