A viral video of guard Jaden Ivey preaching on a street corner in Auburn, Alabama, has intensified scrutiny of the 24‑year‑old’s conduct since the Chicago Bulls waived him at the end of March. The clip, posted to social media Saturday night, shows Ivey addressing a small crowd at Toomer’s Corner and quoting Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” — as he referenced the Sermon on the Mount.
The footage surfaced days after the Bulls announced on March 30 that they had waived Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team.” The move followed a series of social media incidents that team officials cited as factors in their decision. In separate livestreams and posts in the days leading up to his release, Ivey criticized Catholicism, calling it a “false religion,” and made remarks opposing the NBA’s promotion of Pride Month and commenting critically about LGBTQ people, according to the statements and clips circulated online.
Ivey’s own reaction to being released added to the controversy. In a livestream after the Bulls parted ways with him, he accused the organization of being dishonest and defended his online remarks as part of preaching about his Christian faith. Reports also indicated that his frequent evangelizing in the locker room had caused friction with teammates, coaches and staff during his short time with the franchise.
Beyond the public conflict with the team, past and newly resurfaced personal disclosures about Ivey have prompted concerns for his wellbeing. He has spoken in clips about childhood sexual abuse, a lack of emotional support while growing up, and has said he nearly attempted suicide multiple times but was prevented by his faith. Those revelations, coupled with his recent public behavior, have left some questioning whether he is receiving adequate mental‑health support as he navigates the fallout.
On the court, Ivey’s tenure with Chicago was brief. The 2022 fifth‑overall pick was acquired from the Detroit Pistons on February 3, 2026, and appeared in only four games for the Bulls, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals. He had played 33 games for Detroit in the 2025‑26 season, averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Ivey came to the NBA after two seasons at Purdue, where his sophomore year averages of 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists helped earn him First Team All‑Big Ten honors.
The sequence of social‑media incidents, the club’s waiver citing conduct detrimental to the team, and the newly circulated street‑preaching video have left Ivey’s professional future uncertain. The Bulls have not announced any further comment beyond the waiver, and it remains unclear whether other NBA teams will pursue him while the public debate over his remarks and his mental health continues.