After a series of controversial rants on social media, including harsh criticism of the NBA’s Pride Month celebrations, the Chicago Bulls have let go of guard Jaden Ivey. The official reason for this sudden move, which was announced on March 30, 2026, is “conduct detrimental to the team.”
In February 2026, Ivey came to the Bulls in a trade that also involved the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves. The former No. 5 overall pick from Purdue didn’t get a lot of playing time in Chicago’s crowded backcourt with Josh Giddey and Coby White. Before the waiver, he had been there for less than two months.
Ivey posted videos in which he strongly criticized the NBA for promoting Pride Month, calling it “unrighteousness” and questioning the league’s support of it. Sources say the comments were anti-LGBTQ and part of a larger rant about faith and society, which made things worse within the organization. After his most recent Instagram Live on March 30, the Bulls moved quickly.
This waiver lets Ivey, who is 24 years old, look for work as a restricted free agent, which could change the course of his career during this time of trouble. The Bulls are rebuilding and putting team culture first during a season when their roster is changing. Responses show that there are still arguments about how players should be able to express themselves and how leagues should try to be more open to everyone.
