Jaden Ivey, the former Chicago Bulls guard recently waived by the team, was spotted preaching the gospel on the streets near Auburn University on Good Friday, drawing crowds of students and sparking online debate.
Videos circulating on social media Saturday showed Ivey, 24, standing at Toomer’s Corner and other spots on or near the Auburn campus, openly sharing his Christian faith, reading Scripture and engaging passersby in conversation — at times heated debates. One clip captured him discussing themes from the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes, while interacting directly with students.
The public preaching comes days after the Bulls waived Ivey on March 30, citing “conduct detrimental to the team.” Ivey has attributed his release to his outspoken religious beliefs, including comments made on Instagram Live criticizing the NBA’s promotion of Pride Month as “unrighteousness.” In those livestreams, he described his faith journey, saying he overcame past struggles with addiction, pornography and other behaviors after turning to Jesus Christ.
Jaden Ivey spotted preaching on the streets.
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 5, 2026
“All I’m preaching is about Jesus Christ and they waived me,” Ivey said in one video, according to multiple reports. He added that he viewed the waiver as part of a larger purpose, urging others to prioritize faith over worldly success.
Ivey played college basketball at Purdue before being selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Bulls in 2025. Known for his athleticism and potential as a guard, his NBA career has been marked by injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined him this season.
Reactions to the street preaching videos have been sharply divided. Some social media users praised Ivey for boldly proclaiming his faith, with comments like “We need more people like him” and prayers for his stand. Others questioned his approach or suggested it reflected instability following his release.
Auburn University, Ivey’s apparent location in the videos, has ties to his background; he has family connections in the region, though he played collegiately at Purdue.
No immediate comment was available from Ivey or the Bulls on the latest videos. The NBA has not issued a statement on the matter.
Ivey’s wife has publicly disputed rumors that she abandoned him amid the controversy.
As of Sunday, Ivey remains a free agent with his basketball future uncertain while he continues to speak publicly about his faith.
Flip the pages for photos of his wife.
