Jaden Ivey is at the center of controversy after being waived by the Chicago Bulls, with the team citing conduct deemed detrimental. The move came shortly after Ivey made comments about LGBTQ people during a series of livestreams on social media.
For fans trying to understand what exactly happened—and what “waived” even means—here’s a clear breakdown of the situation.
What Does “Waived” Mean in the NBA?
In simple terms, when a player is waived, their team releases them from their contract before it ends. The player is then placed on waivers for 48 hours, during which other teams can claim them and take on that contract. If no team picks them up, they become a free agent and can sign elsewhere.
In Ivey’s case, the decision effectively ends his short stint with the Bulls, making him available to other teams.
What Led to the Decision
Ivey, 24, had recently become more active on Instagram Live, posting multiple lengthy videos after being sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
The NBA has released Jaden Ivey who plays for the Chicago Bulls following a series of homophobic comments he made during an Instagram Live session today.
He condemned the LGBTQ community calling them Unrighteous and sinful people as seen in the clip below 👇. pic.twitter.com/TwwNlP3Ggt
— Red Media (@RedMedia_us) March 30, 2026
During one of those streams, he criticized the NBA’s support of Pride Month, stating that it promotes “unrighteousness.”
“The world proclaims LGBTQ, right?” Ivey said. “They proclaim Pride Month… ‘Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’”
Later that same day, he questioned the Bulls’ decision to waive him, saying:
“[They] said my conduct is detrimental to the team… How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team?”
He also suggested the team should have directly addressed his stance rather than using broader language about conduct.
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A Pattern of Behavior
Ivey was acquired by Chicago from the Detroit Pistons earlier this year but appeared in only a handful of games before being sidelined with injury.
During his time in Chicago, reports indicated that his religious views became more prominent in team spaces. His social media activity often included extended discussions about faith, morality, and personal struggles, alongside commentary on broader social issues.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism within the organization, noting that players are expected to uphold standards of respect and accountability.
The LGBTQ Angle: Why This Matters
For LGBTQ fans and observers, the situation highlights an ongoing tension in sports between personal beliefs and public messaging.
The NBA has positioned itself as one of the more LGBTQ-inclusive major sports leagues, openly supporting Pride Month and initiatives that promote visibility and acceptance. When a player publicly criticizes those efforts, it can feel like a direct contradiction to that message.
Jaden Ivey has to understand freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequence.
Also, you serve God. You’re not God.
As the son of a pastor this topic means a lot to me and I’m praying for Jaden Ivey’s mental health.
My full thoughts: pic.twitter.com/CHiUo4aAor
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 31, 2026
Importantly, framing LGBTQ identity as “unrighteous” is not just a personal belief—it carries broader implications, particularly in a league with a diverse fanbase that includes LGBTQ individuals.
Moments like this often spark conversations about what accountability looks like in professional sports, especially when speech intersects with inclusion.
What Happens Next
Following his release, Ivey defended his actions, arguing that his time away from the court due to injury should factor into how his conduct is evaluated. He also continued speaking publicly, even calling out fellow NBA star Stephen Curry in a separate livestream.
Jaden Ivey calls out Steph Curry 😳
“He don’t know Jesus… I pray he’s saved in Jesus name… All that stuff isn’t gon matter on Judgement Day. All them rings he got. All them rings LeBron got. All them rings Jordan got… They gon try to stop me, but I’m not. I’ma keep… pic.twitter.com/le7DbEVgKG
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 31, 2026
With his contract terminated, Ivey now enters free agency, where another team could choose to sign him.
For now, the situation remains a reminder of how quickly off-court actions can impact a player’s career—and how conversations around inclusion, respect, and accountability continue to evolve in professional sports.