The Chicago Bulls acquired Jaden Ivey before the NBA trade deadline with high hopes. The team brought in the 23-year-old guard from the Detroit Pistons to improve their play. But the trade has yet to produce wins for the struggling Bulls.
The Bulls lost 123–115 to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. It was the team’s 30th loss of the season and their fifth straight defeat. Three of those losses came after recent roster changes.
Chicago acquired Ivey in a three-team trade that also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bulls sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to Detroit in exchange for Ivey and veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. The trade aimed to bring youth and energy to the Bulls’ backcourt. It paired Ivey with Anfernee Simons, Josh Giddey, and Coby White.
Ivey flashed his potential on Monday. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard scored 13 points, with six rebounds and three assists. He played aggressively on offense and defense. However, the Nets exploited Chicago’s defensive gaps, which the young Bulls are still working to correct.
Brooklyn center Nic Claxton scored a career-high 28 points, underscoring the challenges the Bulls face as they adjust to new players. With several new additions, Chicago is learning on the fly. Coaches and players continue to adjust roles and lineups during games.
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey (31) dribbles up court against the Brooklyn Nets.
Chicago Bulls’ Jaden Ivey offers honest look at team struggles and growth
After the game, Ivey gave an honest view of the team’s struggles. He admitted that the team is going through a challenging period, but they are facing it together.
“We’re going through it,” he told reporters. “Going through it together. That’s how you learn. That’s how you grow.”
According to Ivey, improving as a team means helping each other, finding ways to win, and staying connected through communication and support on and off the court. He said that as the season progresses, the team will continue learning from each game and “make adjustments” to get better.
“That’s how you make each other better and figure ways to win the game and affect the game, communicating and talking and being there for one another,” he said.
Since joining Chicago, Ivey has appeared in three games and received significantly more playing time than he did in Detroit. In those outings, he averaged 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
His effort stands out, but the Bulls’ ongoing losing streak shows that a single player cannot instantly turn the team around. Coach Billy Donovan agreed with Ivey. He said the team is still learning how to adjust to new players and work together.
For some Chicago fans, Ivey’s performance and mindset offer a silver lining amid a tough season.
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan calls out new players after trades
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