Billy Donovan optimistic about Jaden Ivey regaining strength

Mar 15, 2026 7:20 AM

The Bulls are still unsure whether Jaden Ivey will return before the end of the season, though he continues to move closer to that possibility, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times reports in a subscriber-only story.

The fourth-year guard recently worked out with the team’s G League affiliate, and sources told Cowley that he could take part in a session with the Bulls on Sunday.

Coach Billy Donovan said he has been in contact with the team’s medical staff, who remain optimistic about Ivey’s recovery in the long term.

“I think I have a pretty good feel for him as a player when he’s healthy,” Donovan said. “He was really explosive, downhill, two-way player, can defend, really improved his shooting.

“The biggest thing I would want to know from our medical guys, and I have talked a little bit about this is, ‘OK, does a summer really bring his strength back?’ That would be my biggest thing.

“Our medical guys, when I’ve spoken to them, they feel really, really optimistic and positive that he will regain that strength, but strength doesn’t necessarily come back just like that. It’s going to take a period of time.”

Ivey was obtained from Detroit at the trade deadline, but his time on the court with Chicago has been limited. He played in only four games before being sidelined by a lingering issue in his left knee.

While the Bulls were on a recent 10-day road trip, Ivey stayed back in Chicago to continue his treatment and rehabilitation.

The guard could become a restricted free agent this summer if the Bulls choose to issue him a qualifying offer, and the organization would prefer to evaluate him further on the court before making that decision.

“I think a lot of it is going to be predicated on where his strength is at,” Donovan said of a potential return. “The improvement and growth he’s made in the strength area.”