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The Chicago Bulls recently acquired Jaden Ivey in a trade with the Detroit Pistons.
The Chicago Bulls welcomed a new face to the organization. Jaden Ivey is the newest member of the Bulls. Ivey was traded to Chicago from the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade that involved the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ivey appeared in his first game as a member of the Bulls in a loss against the Toronto Raptors. He finished with 13 points six assists and four rebounds. When Ivey was traded to the Bulls, he talked about what he believes he can bring to the team.
“I think leadership, for one. Over my years with Detroit I was able to learn a lot and experience different situations. And I think that’s what I can bring to this team,” he said. Before joining the Bulls, Ivey spent his entire career in Detroit.
Chicago Bulls Guard Brings Athleticism to Team
The Bulls received a talented guard in Ivey who can immediately make an impact. Ivey played a significant role when he was with the Pistons. This season he appeared in 33 games with the Pistons and averaged 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Detroit’s head coach JB Bickerstaff spoke on the trade that sent Ivey to Chicago.
“JI was awesome, the two years, year and a half we were together, as a person allowing me to coach him, as a teammate wanting to do whatever he could do to help this team win,” Bickerstaff said. “Going through a lot of difficult situations. The way that he was playing to start the year last year and then coming back and having to play a different role, a lot of guys wouldn’t have been able to handle that. I’m extremely appreciative of the way that he handled it, the way he continued to buy into the team and try to help the team be as successful as he could while he was here.”
Ivey dealt with a few injuries during his time in Detroit, but he did not let that hold him back. There was a reason he was a top five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. His former teammate, Ausar Thompson was sad to see Ivey go. “JI, that’s my brother for life. We were locker mates since I got on this team, we always sat next to each other,” Thompson said. “To lose him hurts, but you know that’s how it works. I know, wherever, like I texted him, wherever JI goes, greatness follows. JI is great, is going to be great. No worries for him. Love that guy.”
New Start With the Chicago Bulls
Ivey joins Anfernee Simons as the latest additions to the team. For Ivey, he’ll look to establish himself and prove his value in the Windy City. Ivey is in his fourth NBA season and for his career he is averaging just under 15 points per game.
There’s no question that he can score and help the team offensively. If he can remain healthy, Ivey can play a big role for the Bulls. While he left a team who’s No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, he’ll have an opportunity to help the Bulls secure a spot in the play-in.