The Chicago Bulls took a worthwhile risk to trade for Jaden Ivey, but they should be warned about his regression this season. Coming off serious injuries, including a broken leg, Ivey hasn’t shown his trademark speed and athleticism all season. His Bulls debut will be highly anticipated, but Chicago might find itself disappointed with Ivey’s play.
Jaden Ivey hasn’t looked the same this season
When they traded for Ivey, the Bulls saw an opportunity to get a young player with tons of potential without giving up a big haul. Ivey was drafted fifth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and has shown his ability in previous seasons. As the Bulls clear out veterans, Ivey should get the chance to develop as their shooting guard.
Ivey was having the best season of his career in 2024-25 before a freak accident ended his campaign early. In the 30 games he played before suffering a broken leg, he was averaging nearly 18 points per game while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and a scorching 40.9 percent from three. The addition of a deadly three-point shot, combined with his exceptional burst, made him a potent off-ball scorer.
However, Ivey has not regained that form since his injury. This season, he’s down to 8.2 points per game and has failed to crack the Pistons’ starting lineup. Although his shooting improvement looks legit (he’s hitting 37.2 percent of his threes this season), his ability to attack the rim has clearly taken a step back.
The most damning statistic this season has been Ivey’s three-point attempt rate. Over half of his shot attempts are coming from downtown, indicating that he’s just not able to get by defenders anymore. His game tape shows a player whose quick first step has slowed down considerably, taking away what was once his superpower.
If the Bulls or their fans hoped to get Ivey at his ideal best—blending reliable outside shooting with relentless rim pressure—they may be sorely mistaken. At this moment, he’s clearly not at that athletic level. Still, Ivey is only 23 years old and may be affected by the lingering effects of his injuries.
He clearly still has the potential to become an ideal shooting guard if he can get over his injury woes. Combined with his upcoming restricted free agency, the Bulls have smartly identified him as a high-value prospect at shooting guard. They appear ready to move on from the older Coby White, who will soon be more expensive as well.
The Bulls may have high expectations for Ivey after trading for him as a promising young talent. However, there’s a reason the Pistons were fine letting him go. He’s lost the burst that made him so special. The Bulls should be prepared for some frustrating times with Ivey while he strives to regain his peak form.