The trade of Jayden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls was meant to give him a fresh start and new opportunities, but after only five games, he has already been removed from the rotation.
Bulls guard Jaden Ivey's comments following his first career DNP have raised concerns about his health and future. His absence came during Thursday's 110–101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, the team's seventh straight loss.
Opening up about his absence, Ivy got candid about the struggles he is facing physically and mentally.
"I've been dealing with pain in my knee. I'm sure people can tell it – I'm not the same player I used to be. This is why. I'm not the G I used to be. The old G is dead. No matter the basketball setting, I'm alive in Christ. ... It doesn't matter how many DNPs, how many points I score, those things are a temporary thing. Jesus is eternal."
Acting head coach Wes Unseld addressed the reasons behind Jaden Ivey's surprising DNP after the game.
Unseld described this choice as a "basketball decision", according to Joel Lorenzi.
"It's really hard to play six guards," he said, noting that the team's recent roster changes have made the rotation more crowded.
When questioned about whether Ivey's upcoming restricted free agency influenced the decision, Unseld chose not to comment.
"That conversation is probably above my pay grade," he said.
Ivey missed Thursday night's game but handled it with grace. He recognized his physical limitations without making any excuses, considered the situation through his faith, and insisted that he would be ready when the opportunity arose.
Now the Bulls have to decide when that opportunity will come. Unseld said it is not his job to make major decisions, leaving it to the front office to make sure Ivey's role matches his value in rebuilding the team.
Ivey accepted the reality of the NBA and his place on the roster, and explained his perspective on sitting out.
"Going into it, you've got to look at who's on the roster. ... Making trades, that's what happens in the NBA."
Loaded postgame from Jaden Ivey, who thinks he had the first DNP of his career tonight. He said it doesn't change his character and he is here to "do my job, glorify God." Asked if he thinks it's a possibility, he says, "Going into it, you've got to see who's on the roster. ... pic.twitter.com/nz8BfC3PYy
- Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) 20 February 2026
In 37 games with Detroit and Chicago this season, Ivy is averaging 8.5 points in 18.1 minutes per game. In his four contests with the Bulls, he has averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.8 minutes.
The loss dropped Chicago to 24–32, leaving them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Brandon Ingram had 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Toronto improved to 33-23.
