Jaden Ivey, recently waived by the Chicago Bulls, said Tuesday that his wife is not responding to his text messages even though she is nearby, and that family members are distancing themselves from him.
In an Instagram Live video posted Tuesday, Ivey, 23, appeared outdoors and referenced his wife, Caitlyn Ivey, saying she was watching the stream but ignoring his attempts to communicate. “That’s why my wife in here, and she not even texting me,” he said, according to multiple accounts of the video shared on social media. Someone in the background could be heard urging him not to discuss the matter.
Jaden Ivey on IG live: “That’s why my wife in here she she’s not even texting me.”
*in the background* “Jaden, don’t talk about that.” pic.twitter.com/LUAwzItg98
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 31, 2026
Ivey also addressed what he described as betrayal by those closest to him. “Those who are around me, those who are my family members betraying (me),” he said in the clip. He has previously indicated that relatives called him “crazy” for his outspoken religious views.
The comments come one day after the Bulls waived Ivey, citing “conduct detrimental to the team.” The move followed a series of Instagram videos in which Ivey criticized the NBA’s Pride Month celebrations as promoting “unrighteousness” and shared strong evangelical Christian beliefs. Ivey, who is rehabbing an injury and said he had barely been with the Bulls, has insisted the waiver does not affect his $10 million salary for the season.
Ivey and his wife, Caitlyn, have been married for several years and have children together. Neither Caitlyn Ivey nor other family members immediately responded to requests for comment.
The Pistons originally drafted Ivey, a former Purdue standout, with the 12th overall pick in 2022. He was acquired by the Bulls in a recent trade before being waived Monday.
Fans and observers expressed concern Tuesday about Ivey’s well-being, with some social media posts noting his recent string of personal revelations during live streams. The NBA has not commented on the latest developments.
Flip the pages for a photos of his wife .
