Jaden Ivey Claims His Wife & Family are Ghosting Him After Controversial Statements and Bulls’ Release

Jaden Ivey will still receive the $10 million owed to him by the Chicago Bulls, even though he was released with just 7 games left in the season.

Jaden Ivey Claims His Wife & Family are Ghosting Him After Controversial Statements and Bulls’ Release

Jaden Ivey claims his family deserted him (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Jaden Ivey claims his family, including his wife, has abandoned him following his controversial statements.
  • The Chicago Bulls released Ivey after he criticized the organization and the league's stance on LGBTQ issues.
  • NBA players and coaches express concern for Ivey, suggesting he may need help amid his personal struggles.

The Chicago Bulls courted a lot of backlash for releasing Jaden Ivey, less than a couple of months after they traded with the Detroit Pistons ahead of this year’s trade deadline.

They had brought him in based on his potential. After all, the Pistons spent a fifth-overall pick on him in the 2022 draft. The Bulls felt they could continue developing him and make him one of the primary players down the line.

All that stopped when they released a statement condemning his rants about the organization and the league’s stance on the LGBTQ community.

Since then, they have had to face questions, which so far, head coach Billy Donovan has handled with aplomb. However, that did not stop their former player from questioning the grounds on which the Bulls released him.

He later ranted about Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan, and only stopped when his flight was about to take off. Now he is back, and this time he has some revelations about his family.

Those who are around me, my family members, are betraying me, because of what I spoke… Saying I’m losing my mind, saying that I’m crazy. These are my own family members. My blood… That’s my wife in here, and she’s not even texting me.

Jaden Ivey said on Instagram Live

The 24-year-old claims his family has deserted him after his claims. He also particularly referenced his wife, with whom he shares three children.

Since his mother is currently in Phoenix, Arizona, to help coach WNBA players at the USA Basketball camp, it is unclear which family members he is referring to.

Jaden Ivey’s former head coach talks about his rant

Naturally, since Jaden Ivey‘s release became the most dominant conversation surrounding the NBA, reporters wanted to ask Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff about his opinion on this situation.

Jaden Ivey, his wife Caitlyn Ivey, and their three children
Jaden Ivey, his wife Caitlyn Ivey, and their three children (Image via Caitlyn Ivey/IG)

We don’t believe the same thing. As long as your beliefs don’t infringe upon me. Like, you have the right to have your belief, and to be the person that you are.

JB Bickerstaff said

The head coach reiterated that he had a good relationship with his former player. At the same time, he stressed that when a person wants to express their beliefs, it is also important that they respect and acknowledge others in the locker room.

Bickerstaff pointed out how the NBA, with its inclusivity, allows everyone to express themselves. As long as one does not try to impose their thoughts on others, it is fine.

The Pistons believed that Jaden Ivey would turn out to be a superstar after he returned from injury. Now, it seems these incidents are the reason why they decided to cut bait and traded him to the Bulls.

Josh Giddey hopes Jaden Ivey gets help

JB Bickerstaff did not publicly state that Jaden Ivey was wrong to impose his beliefs upon those around him. But Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey‘s response to this situation, while speaking with the Chicago Sun-Times, might prove what they believe about their former teammate.

He’s a very talented player. Obviously, the whole thing is kind of unfortunate in a way. I hope he gets the help he needs, whatever he’s going through or not going through. I do really hope he gets help. It’s not going to be with the Bulls anymore, but wherever it is, I hope he gets it.

Josh Giddey told the Chicago Sun-Times

The Australian, who was struggling with a controversy of his own a while back, basically suggested that Jaden Ivey needs help, as he is going through something.

This is similar to what the Purdue alum believes his family members also feel about him. As some have mentioned, Ivey’s belief that he is entitled to say what he wants can have detrimental effects. Now, these reactions from those around him could jeopardize his chances of returning to play in the NBA.

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