Jaden Ivey Preaches After NBA Waiver

Jimmy ParkerApril 13, 20269

What Happened

Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey was waived by the team after comments he made on an Instagram live about the NBA promoting Pride Month. The decision to remove him from the roster came quickly and drew sharp reactions from both critics and supporters. The story moved fast from a clip on social media to major discussion about free speech, faith, and the cost of standing for religious beliefs in public life.

Ivey’s Remarks

On the livestream Ivey said the NBA’s Pride promotions were celebrating what he called unrighteousness. He quoted scripture and argued that the league was inviting people to celebrate behavior he believes is against biblical teaching. Those comments, captured on video, triggered the Bulls to take him off the active roster for the rest of the season according to reports at the time.

The Street Preaching

After the roster move a video circulated of Ivey preaching on a public street. He used a microphone and cited the Sermon on the Mount, including the line about the pure in heart. Others stood nearby holding a large sign urging repentance and faith in Jesus. The footage first appeared on TikTok and then spread across platforms where people debated his message and the repercussions he faced.

Support From Christian Leaders

Several evangelical leaders praised Ivey for his willingness to speak his convictions despite the cost. Pastor Josh Howerton compared Ivey’s situation to the biblical story of Daniel, urging Christians to choose obedience to God over popularity or career advantage. That kind of backing underlines how many believers see this as a test of religious liberty and moral courage in the public square.

What This Means

This episode raises hard questions about the balance between corporate policies, athlete speech, and religious conviction. Fans and commentators on both sides are asking whether athletes can publicly express traditional religious views without losing their jobs. The debate will likely continue as similar disputes over faith and expression show up in sports and other public arenas.

The recently fired Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey street preaching this evening.

h/t Kendrickatwater on TT pic.twitter.com/70D0o7DZzg

— Protestia (@Protestia) April 5, 2026

To every Christian within the sound of my voice: This is 1000% what's going to happen to you the moment you start living boldy by your convictions.

Now is the time to answer the question: Whose team do you care most about being a star on? pic.twitter.com/lBobbPT1fZ

— Josh Howerton (@howertonjosh) April 7, 2026