Gemini said
The Chicago Bulls have officially waived guard Jaden Ivey following a series of controversial Instagram posts that the organization deemed “detrimental to the team.”
The move, which took place on Monday, March 30, 2026, marks a sudden end to Ivey’s brief tenure in Chicago. Below is a breakdown of the events leading to his release and the reaction from the front office.
The Controversy: What Was Said?
The decision stems from several videos and live sessions Ivey posted to his Instagram account. In these clips, Ivey directed sharp criticism toward the NBA for its promotion of Pride Month, characterizing the celebrations as “unrighteousness.”
His statements quickly went viral, particularly a segment where he questioned the league’s inclusivity standards:
“They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness? How are they to say that this man is crazy?”
Ivey followed up with another Instagram Live session shortly after being waived—filmed while on an airplane—where he doubled down on his religious stance, stating that the championship rings of Michael Jordan and LeBron James “won’t matter on judgment day.”
The Bulls’ Response
Coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls’ front office acted swiftly, releasing Ivey within hours of the social media activity. Donovan addressed the media before the team’s game in San Antonio, emphasizing that the comments did not align with the team’s culture.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Donovan noted that the Bulls employ people from “all different walks of life” and that a high level of mutual respect is a non-negotiable standard.
- Professionalism: The team officially cited “conduct detrimental to the team” as the reason for the waiver.
What’s Next for Jaden Ivey?
At just 24 years old, Ivey’s basketball talent is undeniable, but his immediate future in the NBA is now under a cloud of uncertainty. Because he was on an expiring contract, he was set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
Now, he enters the waiver wire during a period of significant personal and professional transition. In his most recent videos, Ivey suggested that teams may be hesitant to sign him due to his religious convictions, though the league’s focus remains on the nature of his comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
The Bottom Line: The Bulls have sent a clear message that while they value talent, the “standard of respect” within the locker room and the organization takes precedence.
