Jaden Ivey Waived by The Bulls: Faith, LGBTQ Comments, and the Cost of Conviction

What would you do if your beliefs cost you your career?

In a world where speaking out can end everything, Jaden Ivey is now at the center of a storm. According to reports from ESPN Philippines, the Chicago Bulls have waived the young guard following comments made in an Instagram video regarding the intersection of faith and culture.

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During the livestream, Ivey stated:

“The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month, and the NBA does, too... They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it on the streets. Unrighteousness.”

Whether you agree with his delivery or not, one thing is clear: standing for your beliefs today comes with a heavy price.

Jaden Ivey during NBA draft 2022
PurdueSports.com

Jaden Ivey (born February 13, 2002) is a high-caliber professional guard, drafted 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2022 out of Purdue. Known for his elite speed and athleticism, the South Bend native is the son of Notre Dame women’s coach Niele Ivey. After three seasons in the NBA, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was waived by the Bulls in March 2026.

The Biblical Reality

Jesus warned us of this exact scenario:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18).

Jesus was a renegade. Two thousand years ago, He fought against the Pharisees and their false teachings, calling them a "brood of vipers." He made it clear in Matthew 10:34-36 (NIV) that the truth is often divisive:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth... I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother... a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”

Following the Lord Jesus Christ comes with a price. You may face persecution from the world or even from your loved ones. But "Fear Not!" He promises we are never alone:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jaden spotted on the streets preaching about Jesus Christ
ballbound/instagram

Jaden was recently seen street preaching, proclaiming salvation to all who are willing to accept Jesus. His boldness likely stems from a place of deep gratitude. Jaden recently shared:

“I've almost committed suicide multiple times and I'm not ashamed to say it. I didn't do it by God's grace—He kept me here!”

I respect Jaden for this bold move. Just like him, I have been in that dark state of depression and suicidal thoughts. It was only by God’s grace and mercy that I am saved today, so I truly understand what he is going through. When you have been pulled from the pit, you aren't ashamed to proclaim your faith—not to judge others, but to save them.

Ivey even calling out Steph Curry saying: “He’s not even surrendered [to Jesus]… Y’all believe he’s a Christian because he wrote Philippians 4:13 [on his shoes]… Friendship with the world is enmity with God. He’s in friendship with the world… I pray he comes to the truth”. Curry has not responded yet regarding this comments by Jaden.

As Luke 9:26 (NIV) reminds us: "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory." Our reward is not of this world, but in heaven.

I truly respect Jaden for his bold move and just like Jaden I was in the state of depression and suicidal thoughts because of God's grace and mercy I am saved so I truly understand what he is going through. 

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This is bigger than basketball. We pray for Jaden and his family as he continues to speak his truth. Our goal as believers isn't to condemn, but to point toward the One who saves:

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:17).

What is your personal reaction to Jaden Ivey being waived by the Chicago Bulls? Comment down below!