Jaden Ivey's journey has taken a new turn as he lands with the Chicago Bulls right at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. After a challenging year with the Detroit Pistons, plagued by injuries, the veteran guard now has a fresh opportunity with the Bulls, a team in the midst of rebuilding. This move gives Ivey a platform to reignite his career before entering free agency, a chance to remind everyone of his potential.
Yet, his recent DNP (Did Not Play) status has sparked curiosity among NBA fans. Ivey himself seems puzzled by the situation.
“Going into it, I was prepared to play,” he shared with reporters. “Everyone was unsure about the lineup.
If coach wants me in there, I’ll be ready.”
This marks the first time Ivey sat out since joining the Bulls on February 5. Up until now, he had been averaging 29 minutes per game. However, head coach Billy Donovan opted to keep him on the bench in their matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Ivey is not at full strength, admitting he's dealing with knee soreness. Despite this, the medical team didn’t restrict his play. “I’ve been dealing with knee soreness,” Ivey revealed.
His recent comments have raised eyebrows, hinting at a personal transformation. “I’m sure people can call it out that I’m not the same player I used to be.
That’s why. I’m not the J.I.
I used to be. But the old J.I. is dead.
I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is,” he expressed.
While Ivey’s message transcends basketball, fans are interpreting it as acceptance of a potential decline. However, it's too soon to label this season as a slump or a sign of lasting regression for the former first-round pick.
Just last year, Ivey was on a roll with the Pistons, averaging 17.6 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over a 30-game stretch, shooting threes at a career-high 40 percent. Unfortunately, a leg injury cut his season short in January 2025. Although he aimed to start the 2025-2026 season on time, a knee injury delayed his return until mid-November.
Reintegrating into the Pistons’ lineup proved challenging. For 33 games, he mostly came off the bench, averaging 8.2 points and 1.6 assists.
In Chicago, his numbers have seen a slight uptick, with 11.5 points per game and a 38 percent success rate from beyond the arc in four games. It's clear he's not yet at his peak.
The timing of Ivey’s struggles is less than ideal, given it’s a contract year. However, his track record over four seasons suggests he still holds value for potential suitors, whether they’re looking for a short-term boost or a longer-term investment.