The Chicago Bulls‘ stint with the veteran guard Jaden Ivey became unforgettable for the wrong reasons.
Amid the 2025-2026 NBA season, Ivey was traded to the Bulls as part of a three-team trade that included the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ivey was in a contract year after a strong showing in 2024-2025 before he went down with a season-ending injury.
The final stretch of the season would’ve served as a showcase for Ivey to prove to the Bulls that he was worth a notable extension. Instead, he played in just four games before getting shut down due to an injury.
As Ivey recovered, he was cut by the team due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Ex-Bulls Guard Lands Rare Honorable Mention In NBA Free Agency
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 26: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after they beat the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on December 26, 2024 in Sacramento, California. Ivey tied that game with a three-point basket and was fouled, and the free throw won the game for the Pistons. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ivey has been a free agent since March.
When the NBA re-opened free agency for the start of the new basketball year back in late June, there was no renewed interest in the 24-year-old guard.
With August winding down, Ivey remains available. For what it’s worth, he recently landed an “honorable mention” from Bleacher Report’s top free agent list.
That’s a somewhat positive step in the right direction.
Off-Court Concerns Aside
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 28: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Piston brings the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
It’s difficult to know what to make of Ivey right now.
In 2024-2025, he was fantastic for the Detroit Pistons. The veteran shot 40.9% from three and posted averages of 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
When he returned in 2025-2026, Ivey battled numerous setbacks, appearing in just 33 games for the Pistons. With his playing time cut in half, Ivey shot 37.2% from three, and averaged 8.2 points, along with 1.6 assists.
In Chicago, he averaged 11. points and 4.0 assists in four games.
If Ivey gets another NBA deal, it will more than likely be a short-term deal on the minimum side, potentially lacking a guarantee.