Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
Getty
Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls aren’t getting the best Jaden Ivey experience.
After trading for the 24-year-old ahead of the 2026 deadline, Ivey has had a hard time staying on the court. Although he debuted for Chicago four nights after clocking 20 minutes for the Detroit Pistons, Ivey’s run has lasted four games.
The Bulls ruled out Ivey for an extended period of time, as he deals with a knee-related concern. When Chicago takes the court for a Monday night matchup on March 16 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Ivey will miss his 13th game in a row.
Is a return nearing? A recent roster decision to have Ivey work out with the G League squad suggested that positive steps are being taken towards getting Ivey back on the floor. However, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan makes it clear that there isn’t a target date set out just yet.
Chicago Bulls Have Important Jaden Ivey Injury Update
Jaden Ivey dribbles up the floor against the Denver Nuggets.
gettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 28: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Piston brings the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
According to Donovan, Ivey’s return will depend on where his strength is at. He’s truly taking the injury recovery day-by-day, and his playing status can only be determined when the Bulls get a clear sign that his body can handle the workload of an NBA game again without any further setbacks.
“Our medical guys, when I’ve spoken to them, they feel really, really optimistic and positive that he will regain that strength, but strength doesn’t necessarily come back just like that,” Donovan told reporters, according to the Chicago Sun Times. “It’s going to take a period of time.”
When Ivey last took the court for the Bulls, he checked in for 28 minutes against the Boston Celtics on February 11.
The veteran guard shot 4-9 from the field to score 10 points. He also produced four assists and came down with three rebounds.
The Bulls are optimistic about Ivey.
“I think I have a pretty good feel for him as a player when he’s healthy,” Donovan explained. “He was really explosive, downhill, two-way player, can defend, really improved his shooting.”
The Clock Is Ticking
Billy Donovan
GettyBilly Donovan, head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Ivey entered the NBA as a fifth-overall pick out of Purdue. He started his career with the Detroit Pistons.
Just as he was truly breaking out, Ivey suffered a season-ending leg injury in 2024-2025. He finished the year with 17.6 points per game on 40% shooting from three in 30 games. It wasn’t enough for the Pistons to offer a long-term extension.
Being on the final year of his deal, and struggling in more ways than one in 2025-2026, the Pistons cut ties with Ivey at the deadline. He’s set to become a free agent in July.
The Bulls can extend Ivey, let him walk free, or strike a sign-and-trade to send him somewhere else. Getting a chance to see him in the system for more than four games is key to finding out which path Chicago could take.
The veteran has posted averages of 11.5 points while shooting 41% from the field for the Bulls. He also posted averages of 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists.