Jaden Ivey and Jalen Smith out for remainder of season with Chicago
Feb 5, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey (31) passes against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls have officially announced that guard Jaden Ivey and power forward Jalen Smith will miss the rest of the season due to injuries. This decision, while expected, confirms the team’s struggles as they currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29 wins and 43 losses.
Jaden Ivey hampered by knee pain since start of season
Jaden Ivey, acquired on February 3rd in a three-team trade involving Detroit, hasn’t played since February 11th due to left knee pain. The former first-round pick from Purdue has been hindered all season by this injury, which has significantly affected his performance. After averaging 17.6 points the previous season, he only managed 8.2 points per game in Detroit, then 8.5 points across his 37 appearances this season, including just four with Chicago.
The team stated that the 24-year-old player « who is managing left knee pain, will continue rehabilitation and miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 season. » This situation complicates Ivey’s future, as he’s in the final year of his $10.1 million rookie contract. Chicago can make him a qualifying offer of $8.8 million, which would make him a restricted free agent, but concerns about his health could influence this decision.
« I’m not the same player I used to be…I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. » 😕💔
– Jaden Ivey
(Via @JoelXLorenzi) pic.twitter.com/PEwCm62lJG
– NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2026
Jalen Smith suffers calf injury in Philadelphia loss
Jalen Smith, in his second season with Chicago, aggravated a right calf injury during Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The forward was averaging 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds this season and had already been bothered by this calf injury on several occasions.
Unlike Ivey, Smith’s future appears clearer as he’s under contract for next season with a salary of $9.4 million and is expected to return with the Bulls. The team travels to Oklahoma City on Friday to continue an already compromised season, now focusing more on the draft than the playoffs.
Medical Updates:
Jalen Smith, who reaggravated his right calf during Wednesday’s game, will miss the remainder of the season.
Jaden Ivey, who has been managing left knee pain, will continue rehabilitation and miss the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/oyTI6twmIS
– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 26, 2026
Comments (0)