The Chicago Bulls have reportedly decided to move on from Jaden Ivey, waiving the guard despite a significant financial commitment remaining on his contract. According to sources cited by The Athletic, Ivey will receive his full salary, a move that signals a swift and expensive pivot for the Chicago front office as they look to reshape their roster ahead of the summer.
Waiving a player with a fully guaranteed salary is rarely a first choice for any NBA franchise, but the decision suggests that Chicago has reached a point where roster flexibility outweighed the sting of a “dead money” hit on the books. This development marks a disappointing turn for Ivey’s tenure in Chicago, which was originally viewed as an opportunity for the former high draft pick to revitalize his career in a new system.
The financial fallout of the Jaden Ivey decision
The mechanics of the waiving process mean that Ivey will now enter the waiver wire, where other teams have the opportunity to claim his existing contract. However, given the size of his remaining salary, it is far more likely that he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent. Because the Bulls have committed to paying the full balance of his deal, Ivey essentially enters the market with his financial security intact, allowing him to sign a “prove-it” deal elsewhere for the veteran minimum or a portion of a mid-level exception.
For the Bulls, the move creates an immediate roster spot but does little to help their primary cap situation this season. By waiving him rather than finding a trade partner, Chicago has essentially admitted that the market for Ivey’s current contract had dried up. It is a stark reminder of how quickly valuations change in the league; a player who was once considered a foundational piece is now being paid to not play for the organization.
Chicago pivots as summer transfer window looms
This roster move doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The Bulls have been under pressure to define a clear direction—either a full youth movement or a retooling around established veterans. By clearing Ivey now, the front office gains a head start on evaluating their remaining rotation players. It also aligns with a broader trend across the league where clubs shift strategy as summer transfer windows loom, prioritizing fit and chemistry over raw potential that hasn’t materialized.
The timing is also curious. Many expected the Bulls to wait until the off-season to make such a drastic move, but by acting now, they provide Ivey with a chance to catch on with a playoff-bound team before the eligibility deadlines pass. It’s a move that could be seen as a “player-friendly” exit, potentially preserving the team’s reputation among agents even as they swallow a heavy financial pill.
What is next for Jaden Ivey?
Despite the setback in Chicago, Ivey remains a player with undeniable physical tools. His speed and ability to get to the rim are still elite by league standards, even if his shooting consistency and decision-making have lagged behind expectations. Several teams with a need for backcourt depth are expected to monitor his status once he clears the 48-hour waiver period.
Contenders looking for a spark off the bench may see Ivey as a low-risk, high-reward addition. Since the Bulls are covering his primary salary, his next team won’t have to break the bank to acquire him. For Ivey, the next destination will be about finding a coach who can harness his athleticism within a structured offense. At this stage of his career, the “prospect” label is fading, and he desperately needs a situation where he can prove he is a winning basketball player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Bulls get any cap relief from waiving Ivey?
Not immediately. Since they are paying his full salary, the hit remains on their books. If another team claims him off waivers, that team would take on the contract, but that is unlikely given the figures involved. If he signs a new deal elsewhere after clearing waivers, the Bulls may receive a small “set-off” credit, but it won’t significantly change their cap flexibility.
Can Ivey play in the playoffs for a new team?
His eligibility for the postseason depends on the exact timing of the waiver and the league’s specific cutoff dates for playoff rosters. Usually, players waived by a certain date are free to join a contender and participate in the postseason, provided they are signed before the final regular-season rosters are locked.
Why didn’t the Bulls just trade him?
To trade a player, you need a willing partner. If rival teams knew the Bulls were desperate to move on, they likely demanded draft picks or other assets just to take on Ivey’s salary. By waiving him, the Bulls keep their remaining assets and simply accept the financial loss, rather than giving up more to move the contract.
