Jaden Ivey Speaks Out After Bulls Waiving, Cites Faith as Reason

Former top-five pick says he was cut for 'preaching the gospel', not due to conduct issues

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first public comments since being waived by the Chicago Bulls, NBA guard Jaden Ivey claims he was released from the team due to his outspoken Christian faith, not for any basketball-related conduct issues as the team had stated. Ivey opened up about his personal struggles, including past thoughts of suicide and addiction, and accused his own family members of 'betraying' him over his religious beliefs.

Why it matters

Ivey's claims of being cut for his religious views have sparked backlash from fans and fellow athletes, reigniting debates around the role of faith in professional sports and whether teams can legally terminate players for expressing their beliefs. The situation also highlights the personal challenges some athletes face balancing their careers with their spiritual convictions.

The details

In a podcast interview, Ivey said the Bulls told him he was waived due to 'conduct detrimental to the team', but the former top-five draft pick believes this was a cover for the real reason - his vocal preaching of the Christian gospel. Ivey said he was a 'good teammate' who followed coaches' instructions, and claimed family members had 'betrayed' him over his faith. He also opened up about past suicidal thoughts and a struggle with oxycodone addiction that his wife helped him through.

  • Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls in April 2026.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A former top-five NBA draft pick who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls, Ivey claims he was released due to his outspoken Christian faith rather than any basketball-related conduct issues.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that waived Jaden Ivey, citing 'conduct detrimental to the team' as the reason, though Ivey disputes this and says he was cut for 'preaching the gospel'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've almost committed suicide multiple times. And I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm not ashamed because God was merciful to keep me here.”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

“My conduct was not detrimental to the team. It's strictly because I spoke the truth of the word of God and was preaching the gospel.”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Ivey will get another opportunity in the NBA or elsewhere, as the fallout from his release continues. The league and the Bulls may face further scrutiny over the decision and Ivey's claims of religious discrimination.

The takeaway

Jaden Ivey's case highlights the complex intersection of faith, personal struggles, and professional sports, raising questions about how teams should balance an athlete's private beliefs with their on-court performance and conduct. The situation also underscores the challenges some Christian players face in reconciling their spiritual convictions with the demands of a high-profile career.