Rockets' Handling of AJ Griffin Situation Contrasts with Bulls' Jaden Ivey Saga

The Rockets' quiet, respectful approach to AJ Griffin's retirement stands in stark contrast to the public fallout over the Bulls' trade for Jaden Ivey.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:05pm

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The Houston Rockets made a trade for AJ Griffin in the 2023 offseason, but Griffin ultimately decided to retire from basketball at age 21 to focus on evangelism. The Rockets handled the situation quietly and respectfully, supporting Griffin's decision despite losing their draft capital. This stands in contrast to the ongoing saga with the Chicago Bulls and Jaden Ivey, who was traded to the Bulls and then released after just four games amid controversy over his social media behavior and personal questions to the media.

Why it matters

The Rockets' handling of the AJ Griffin situation shows how an organization can navigate a player's unexpected departure with professionalism and discretion, avoiding a public relations debacle. This is in stark contrast to the Bulls' situation with Jaden Ivey, which has resulted in national mockery and questions about the team's due diligence.

The details

The Rockets traded a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to acquire AJ Griffin in the 2023 offseason, hoping to address their outside shooting needs. However, Griffin ultimately decided to retire from basketball at age 21 to focus on evangelism. The Rockets respected Griffin's decision and supported him, despite losing their draft capital in the trade. This quiet, uneventful resolution stands in contrast to the ongoing saga with the Chicago Bulls and Jaden Ivey. The Bulls traded for Ivey, but he was released after just four games amid controversy over his social media behavior and personal questions to the media.

  • The Rockets traded for AJ Griffin in the 2023 offseason.
  • Griffin retired from basketball at age 21 prior to the 2023-24 season.
  • The Bulls traded for Jaden Ivey at the 2023 trade deadline.
  • Ivey was released by the Bulls after just four games in the 2023-24 season.

The players

AJ Griffin

A former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Hawks who was traded to the Houston Rockets in the 2023 offseason, but ultimately decided to retire from basketball at age 21 to focus on evangelism.

Jaden Ivey

A young NBA player who was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls at the 2023 trade deadline, but was released by the Bulls after just four games amid controversy over his social media behavior and personal questions to the media.

Houston Rockets

An NBA team that traded for AJ Griffin in the 2023 offseason, but handled his unexpected retirement with professionalism and discretion.

Chicago Bulls

An NBA team that traded for Jaden Ivey at the 2023 trade deadline, but faced public scrutiny and mockery over his subsequent release after just four games.

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What they’re saying

“Sure, he never played for them, but that's about the extent of the embarrassment faced by the Rockets.”

— Anthony Duckett, Author

The takeaway

The Rockets' handling of the AJ Griffin situation, with professionalism and discretion, stands in stark contrast to the ongoing public relations debacle faced by the Chicago Bulls over their trade for and subsequent release of Jaden Ivey. This highlights the importance of due diligence and thoughtful management when dealing with unexpected player departures.