Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey
5:03 pm: The Bulls just put out a press release confirming they have waived Ivey for conduct detrimental to the team.
4:30 pm: The Bulls have waived Jaden Ivey, according to the official transaction log at NBA.com (hat tip to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line).
According to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link), Chicago decided to release Ivey due to his recent “anti-LGBTQ comments amid several rants on religion and other topics.”
Ivey has made a string of recent “inflammatory comments” on Instagram Live over the last week, writes Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. Monday’s comments about the NBA’s advocacy for the LGBTQ community was reportedly the final straw for the Bulls.
“The world can proclaim LGBTQ, right?” Ivey told viewers on Monday morning. “They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness.”
Ivey has also been condemning those he thinks haven’t been “saved,” per Joe Cowley of The Chicago-Sun Times, who first reported that the team was working with the league “on an exit strategy” from the 24-year-old.
Ivey only made four appearances with the Bulls due to a left knee injury the team later called patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner’s knee. He was shut down for the rest of the season last Thursday.
As Cowley notes, the former Purdue star made some unprompted comments that raised eyebrows around the league about two weeks after he was acquired from Detroit ahead of the February trade deadline. Ivey repeatedly referenced his faith at the time and declared that he doesn’t “really trust the NBA setting.”
Asked on February 19 if there were still health-related steps to take before he regains his former athleticism, Ivey replied, “I’m sure people can call it out — I’m not the same player I used to be,” he said. “(The knee soreness is) why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.”
According to ESPN, Ivey has talked in the past about battling depression.
The fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, Ivey was having a career year for the Pistons in 2024/25, averaging 17.6 points and 4.0 assists per game with a .460/.409/.733 shooting line, before he suffered a broken fibula in his left leg that ended his season. His return in the fall was delayed after he underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
Ivey lacked his previous explosiveness in 37 games for Detroit and Chicago this season, registering averages of 8.5 PPG and 1.8 APG on .445/.373/.809 shooting in a reduced role (18.1 MPG).
Ivey would have been on track for restricted free agency this summer if he had received a qualifying offer, but that will no longer be the case. He will be unrestricted in a couple days if he clears the waiver wire.
Hoops Rumors Chat Transcript: 3/30/2026
Hoops Rumors hosted a live chat today at 3:00 pm Central time (4:00 pm Eastern).
Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic Collect Player Of Week Honors
Jayson Tatum added another accomplishment to his impressive comeback from an Achilles tear. The Celtics forward has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, according to the league (Twitter links).
Boston’s star forward averaged 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists in three victories during the week of March 23-29. Sunday’s performance in Charlotte was his best game yet this season — he racked up 32 points on 12-of-23 shooting, contributing eight assists and five rebounds without committing a turnover.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic collected the Western Conference Player of the Week award. He had three triple-doubles in four Denver wins last week, registering impressive overall averages of 26.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 14.0 assists per contest, with a .563/.438/.773 shooting line.
It’s the third time this season that Jokic has been named the West’s Player of the Week. He also claimed the honor in back-to-back weeks in November.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (Lakers), Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Alperen Sengun (Rockets) and Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) were the other Western Conference nominees.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Jalen Duren (Pistons), James Harden (Cavaliers) and Payton Pritchard (Celtics) rounded out the nominees from the East.
Southeast Notes: Heat, Alexander-Walker, Bridges, Magic
It was another ugly loss for the Heat on Sunday as their defense was shredded by the lottery-bound Pacers. Miami is 1-7 over its last eight games after giving up 135 points to Indiana.
“We’ve got to communicate more on the defensive end,” Bam Adebayo said, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “A lot of the first half was us not communicating so they get open threes. Things like that, we’ve got to clean up.”
Head coach Erik Spoelstra said the team is exasperated by its recent futility heading into Monday’s matchup with the Sixers.
“We’re disappointed, we’re upset, we’re angry,” Spoelstra said. “We need to use it as fuel and bring a great game [Monday].”
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is making a strong push for Most Improved Player. An offseason free agent acquisition, Alexander-Walker has averaged 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He averaged 9.4 PPG in a more limited role for Minnesota last season. “I always figured that the better player I would be, the better it would be for the team,” Alexander-Walker told Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Like, if you can be a better player, ultimately, it’s going to be better for the team. So, I always try to align things that were going to be hand in hand, you know what I mean? And I would never sacrifice one for the other, and in this league, you can’t really, because I feel like it’s a league that rewards winning.”
- The Hornets woke up on Monday morning in 10th place in the East, though teams five through 10 in the standings are tightly bunched. Charlotte has lost two straight with seven games remaining on their schedule. “We don’t want to depend on teams,” forward Miles Bridges said to Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “We want to create our own path to the playoffs. And in order to do that, we’ve got to start winning games again.”
- Another team trying to fight its way out of the play-in tournament, Orlando, was embarrassed by the Raptors on Sunday. The Magic lost 139-87. The 52-point loss was the biggest margin of defeat in franchise history. Orlando also gave up a 31-0 run during one stretch of the blowout loss. “I’ve got to do a better job of preparing them for what they were going to see tonight,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “We talked a little bit about it, but probably not enough — I’ve got to have them prepared for the physicality of the game, prepared for how much they were going to grab, hold and get us off of our spots. That’s on me. I’ve got to do a better job there with this group to make sure they’re prepared in the right way, knowing exactly the sense of urgency that Toronto was going to play with … knowing the positioning that they were in for playoff positioning.”
Jaden McDaniels Listed As Week-To-Week With Knee Ailment
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has been diagnosed with left knee patella tendinopathy and a bone bruise, according to a team press release.
An MRI conducted at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine determined the extent of his injury. McDaniels will be listed as week-to-week, the release adds.
McDaniels won’t require surgery and the timeline could still position him for a playoff return, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic tweets.
It’s a major development for a team currently tied with the Rockets for fifth place in the Western Conference standings. McDaniels had scored at least 16 points in his last five appearances, most recently on Wednesday. He sat out Saturday’s home loss to Detroit.
Overall, McDaniels has appeared in 71 games, averaging a career-high 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks in 31.9 minutes per night. He’s shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 42.1 on three-point tries while also providing his usual strong play on the defensive end.
McDaniels has been one of the league’s most durable players over the past five seasons, never playing in fewer than 70 games. Without him, Minnesota will have to rely more on Terrence Shannon Jr., Ayo Dosunmu and Jaylen Clark at the wing position.
Dosunmu hasn’t played since last Sunday due to a calf injury but is available for tonight’s game against the Mavericks. Star guard Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable due to right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. He’s been out since March 15
L.A. Notes: Garland, Lopez, LeBron, Bronny, Lakers
As far back as last summer, Darius Garland figured he wouldn’t be playing for the Cavaliers much longer. His premonition came true this winter when the high-scoring guard was dealt to the Clippers, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic.
“It’s a new chapter of my life,” Garland said. “(Agent) Rich (Paul) talked about it even last summer, before it happened, (saying) it’s probably going to be our last year there. So, I was ready for it. I knew it was going to come sooner or later. So, when it happened, I was like, ‘Let’s just do it. Let’s rock out.’”
Garland is averaging 21.3 points and 7.0 assists per game in his first 13 outings with his new team.
“It’s like a new breath of life, like a revamp,” Garland said. “Being around the guys makes it a lot easier because they’re so welcoming. Everybody’s super silly. Everybody’s talkative. My first day there, they were holding their arms out, for real, like, ‘Welcome.’ A lot of big brothers on this team.”
Garland is wrapping up the third season of a five-year, $197.2MM contract.
Here’s more on the Los Angeles teams:
- Milwaukee rolled out a tribute video for Brook Lopez when the Clippers center returned to the team on which he won a championship. “I mean, I pointed to the crew but obviously the banner, too,” Lopez said, per Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “A lot of good memories here. I appreciate the love and support. I think we had fun tonight.” Lopez had eight points and seven rebounds in the Clippers’ 14-point win on Sunday.
- LeBron James and son Bronny James had a special moment against the Nets on Friday. The Lakers teammates recorded the first assist from a father to a son in NBA history. Bronny referred to it as a “special moment with us two,” adding that there’s “a lot more to come down the road,” per Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register. “Well, I just think just not take it for granted and just being in a moment of us being on the floor once again, that’s two games back to back, playing meaningful minutes,” LeBron said. “I got doubled and he was able to fake the pass to the corner and then knock down the three. So definitely a cool moment for us and also for the family.”
- A much-needed two-day break on the Lakers’ schedule allowed them to rest up for today’s game against the Wizards. Luka Doncic will serve his one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. “Yeah, for me, I think, based on all of them wanting to come in at 10 a.m. on a Sunday, I think it is as much mental and spiritual and emotional,” Lakers coach JJ Redick told Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times after practice. “We didn’t want to have these guys in here long today. But we got a lot done, watched some film and cleaned some stuff up. But there is these two days for us. It’s a great reset for us.”
Bogdan Bogdanovic Addresses Potential Return To EuroLeague
Rumors have been circulating about a possible return to Partizan Belgrade for Bogdan Bogdanovic, but the Clippers guard wants to concentrate on the rest of the NBA season before considering his future, according to BasketNews.com.
“I see the rumors in the media too,” Bogdanovic said in an interview with Aleksander Zigic of RTS after Sunday’s game in Milwaukee. “It’s nice to see those images, but should I make a decision now? I have seven games left and a playoff run ahead, so my head is here. I’m not thinking about what will happen next month or next year.”
The 33-year-old Bogdanovic will likely face a decision about his basketball future this summer. He’s making slightly more than $16MM and the Clippers hold a team option for the same amount next season, but that may be too pricey for the club to pick up considering his limited production. He has appeared in just 21 games this season and is averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 20.4 minutes per night with .376/.329/.800 shooting numbers.
Bogdanovic turned in one of his best games of the season 11 days ago with 16 points in 27 minutes against New Orleans, and he’s focused on staying sharp if the Clippers need a similar performance in the postseason.
“I don’t know anything more than you,” he said regarding the EuroLeague rumors. “I’m ready, I’m working, and I’m training. The season is what it is. I’m trying to be in the best possible shape when the playoffs start.”
Bogdanovic began his professional career with Partizan in 2010, winning four Serbian League titles in four years and being named Playoffs MVP in 2014. He was drafted by Phoenix later that year, but opted to remain in Europe with Fenerbahce for three more seasons.
He came to the NBA in 2017, spending three seasons with Sacramento and four-plus with Atlanta before the Clippers acquired him at last year’s trade deadline. Injuries have contributed to his limited playing time in L.A., as he has appeared in 51 total games since the deal.
Mozzart Sport reported last week that Partizan is planning a major offseason overhaul with Bogdanovic as its main target. Dante Exum was also cited as a possibility if he’s able to play after undergoing season-ending knee surgery in December. Other names mentioned with NBA experience include Joffrey Lauvergne, Jan Vesely and Alen Smailagic.
Pelicans’ G League Affiliate To Become Laketown Squadron
The Pelicans announced Monday in a press release that their G League affiliate will move from Birmingham, Alabama to Kenner, Louisiana, and will be renamed the Laketown Squadron.
“We are proud to bring the Squadron and NBA G League basketball to the City of Kenner and Laketown Park,” Pelicans governor Gayle Benson said in a statement. “We thank Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser and the Kenner City Council for their partnership in making this move possible, and we look forward to growing our basketball fan base and investing in this vibrant, family-oriented community.”
The team will play at the 3,700-seat Pontchartrain Center in Laketown Park, which is set to undergo renovations in preparation for next season. The work will include new locker rooms, upgraded audio and lighting systems, and enhanced video boards.
Kenner is located about 13 miles from New Orleans, making it easier to shuffle players back and forth between the NBA and G League teams. It should be much more convenient than operating out of Birmingham, which is more than 300 miles away.
“The close proximity to Kenner gives us the ability to better align our basketball operations and coaching strategies, integrate player development, and enhance roster flexibility throughout the season,” stated Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. “We are excited to announce this move and look forward to deepening our connection with the local community.”
The Pelicans’ G League affiliate was introduced in 2019 as the Erie BayHawks before relocating to Birmingham in 2021. The team wrapped up its season on Friday, so the arrangement with Birmingham is officially over.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have built with the City of Birmingham including the fans, community partners, and civic leaders who supported the Squadron on and off the court,” Benson said. “Birmingham remains an important part of our region, and we thank Mayor Randall Woodfin and BJCC CEO Tad Snider for their leadership and support through this transition.”
Knicks Guard Miles McBride Injured In Return From Surgery
Miles McBride returned to the Knicks‘ lineup on Sunday after missing 28 games while recovering from sports hernia surgery, but the reserve guard appeared to reinjure his groin area in the third quarter of a loss to Oklahoma City, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.
The injury happened when McBride landed on Luguentz Dort as they were both diving for a loose ball (Twitter video link from New York Basketball).
“I haven’t talked to medical yet, so I don’t know how bad it is. But it’s tough,” coach Mike Brown said. “He’s worked his tail off to be back. And I don’t think he made a shot in the first half, but he gave us a lift. You felt his presence. It made us deeper. And because of the foul trouble we had, we were a little shorthanded in that second half, and it was part of the reason they were able to pull away, too.”
Brown told reporters before the game that he was looking forward to having McBride as part of his bench unit again. The guard’s shot was off Sunday as he missed all three attempts in 11 minutes, but he has proven during his five years in New York that he can be a valuable presence on both ends of the court.
“Deuce was one of our best on-ball defenders, especially when it comes to the pick and roll. He’s quick, and he’s strong, gets over screens well. He’ll get into the ball,” Brown said. “Obviously, he shoots the ball from range at a high level. He can go get his shot, too. And then he’s versatile in terms of playing on the ball, off the ball. He gives us a nice punch.”
Although injuries have limited him to 36 games, McBride is in the midst of his best statistical season. He’s averaging a career-high 12.5 points in 27.5 minutes per night while shooting 43% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.
There was no update after the game on how serious the injury might be, but teammate Jalen Brunson expressed confidence that McBride can return.
“It’s tough. He’ll be back,” Brunson said. “He works too hard. So obviously, it’s a tough thing to see. We want him back 100 percent healthy (and) ready to go.”
The Knicks may be getting some positive injury news soon, Bondy adds, as Landry Shamet will accompany the team on its two-game road trip to Houston and Memphis. The veteran guard has missed the past four games with a bone bruise in his right knee.
Injuries Pile Up For Nuggets In Win Over Golden State
The Nuggets pulled away from Golden State for their sixth straight victory on Sunday, but the team’s corps of forwards was depleted by the end of the game, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Coach David Adelman was expecting to have his full rotation available, but Aaron Gordon felt tightness in his left calf when he woke up Sunday morning. Gordon returned to action earlier this month after missing 17 games with a strained right hamstring, so the team is being careful in hopes of keeping him healthy for the playoffs. He was held out as a precaution, and Peyton Watson took his place in the starting lineup.
However, Watson just returned last Sunday after missing six weeks with a hamstring injury and has been restricted to about 20 minutes per game. He picked up four fouls against Golden State in the first half, further limiting his availability.
Spencer Jones began feeling tightness in his right hamstring after the first quarter and wasn’t able to return. Jones has been seeing time at backup center lately, so that forced Adelman into another lineup adjustment.
Early in the third quarter, Cameron Johnson walked to the locker room while grabbing the right side of his torso. He was diagnosed with back spasms and was listed as questionable to return. Zeke Nnaji took his place at power forward, but had an awkward landing after being hit in the face by Kristaps Porzingis. He went to the locker room with a left hip impingement and was using crutches when he left the arena, according to Benedetto.
“It’s just been so funny this year has been like that,” Adelman said. “It’s never a guard and a forward, or a guard and a center. It’s like, it’s just the whole (position) group goes out.”
The injuries created an opportunity for Jonas Valanciunas, who had been benched for the previous five games. He played just five minutes, but could see an increased role while the rest of the roster heals up.
There was no clarity after the game on how serious all the injuries are, and Denver has two days off before playing in Utah on Wednesday. Adelman said Johnson could have tried to return to the game, but the Nuggets were far enough ahead that there was no need to take the risk.
“Players after those things always tell you they’re gonna be fine. But they’ll get a better look at them tomorrow,” Adelman told reporters. “I didn’t get any information (on) if there’s any MRIs or X-rays or anything.”