Jaden Ivey may remain an NBA free agent, but he has at least found one team that will take him. The star guard, who was released by the Chicago Bulls after posting anti-LGBTQ rants on social media, appears to have patched things up with his wife, Caitlyn, after the couple sparred on social media earlier this month.
Ivey Shares Photo with Wife
In an Instagram post on Monday, Ivey shared a photo of himself with Caitlyn featuring the couple smiling and the former first-round pick with his arm around her. Ivey's caption of the photo began with a Bible verse, Proverbs 18:22, which says: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favour of the LORD. He then wrote: Thank you Jesus for saving us. Thank you for your mercy and goodness towards us. Caitlyn later re-posted the image to her own Instagram Story, adding heart emojis and the words my love.
What Happened Between Ivey and His Wife?
Ivey was cut by the Chicago Bulls on March 30 after posting a scathing criticism of the NBA's support for the LGBTQ+ community and its Pride initiatives. During his rants on social media, Ivey claimed that Caitlyn had not been speaking with him, sparking public backlash against the mother of his three children. However, Caitlyn took to social media to tell her side of the story and share that they had been in communication all morning on the day in question. We were communicating all morning of that day. People say things for attention, do not be deceived, she posted on her Instagram Stories, per the Daily Mail. Caitlyn also shared a series of hateful messages that she has received on social media, adding: These DM's (and many more) over one lie spoke on my name. She then added that she never abandoned her husband, despite his claims. If you know me you know I have never abandoned that man through all the trials ... and I still haven't now, she continued. There is obviously a lot more going on, so leave your conspiracies and guesses to yourselves.
Why Was Ivey Released?
After Ivey made his remarks during a livestream, the team cut ties with the fifth-overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft later in the evening due to what it labelled conduct detrimental to the team. The world can proclaim LGBTQ, right? Ivey said during the stream on his Instagram account. They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. Ivey has become increasingly outspoken about his devotion to religion, especially on social media.
What Was Ivey's Response to Being Cut?
After the team announced it was parting ways with the guard – who has been sidelined with a knee injury since mid-February – he went on another rant, criticizing the team, the league and Warriors superstar Steph Curry. They said your conduct is detrimental to the team, Ivey said in a clip as he was boarding a plane. I haven't been with the team. I haven't been with the team because I've been rehabbing. So how's my conduct detrimental to the team? Ivey then also said that he believes he won't be picked up by another team because he's going to be cancelled. They gonna cancel me, bro, I'm telling you. They don't want this ... God is faithful, he said.
Was Ivey Preaching on a Street Corner?
Ivey was later reportedly filmed preaching on a street in Alabama earlier this month. A video of a man appearing to be Ivey was posted on social media with several outlets reporting that it was in fact the recently released player. In the clip that took place at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Ala., Ivey speaks into a microphone hooked up to a speaker and quotes Matthew 5:8, which says: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. A small crowd gathers on the street while Ivey paces around near a large sign with several religious messages written on it.
What Are Ivey's Stats?
Ivey began his career with the Pistons, playing three full seasons with Detroit before being traded to Chicago at the trade deadline this year. During his time with the Pistons, Ivey averaged 14.9 points and four assists per game. However, his numbers dropped sharply this season with his minutes being cut from 29.9 per game to just 16.8 before the trade.
