NBA Weekly Roundup: Bulls Cut Ivey as Wemby and Luka Surge

Welcome to your weekly NBA briefing. As we hit Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the final stretch of the regular season is proving to be as much about culture and ownership as it is about late-game heroics. While the playoff seeding battles are intensifying, the headlines this week have been dominated by a swift disciplinary move in Chicago, a historic statistical outburst in San Antonio, and a significant shift in the league’s power structure in the Pacific Northwest.

The Chicago Fallout: Culture Over Talent

The biggest shockwave of the week came from the Windy City, where the Chicago Bulls officially waived guard Jaden Ivey. This wasn’t a basketball decision—at least not in the traditional sense. The move follows a series of public rants from Ivey involving anti-gay comments and controversial religious rhetoric. In an era where franchise culture and inclusivity are paramount, the Bulls decided that Ivey’s presence was a liability they could no longer afford, regardless of his production on the court. This sends a clear message across the league: the ‘zero-tolerance’ policy regarding hate speech is alive and well, and even high-profile young talents are not exempt from the consequences of their public conduct.

Wemby’s Historic Pace and the MVP Debate

On the court, the narrative continues to be dominated by the ‘sophomore’ evolution of Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs’ phenom turned in a performance for the ages this week, dropping 41 points and 16 rebounds. Most impressively, he recorded the third-fastest double-double in the NBA since 1997. Wembanyama isn’t just playing well; he is rewriting the speed at which a player can impact a box score. His dominance has the league on notice, but he isn’t the only one making noise for end-of-season awards.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has officially entered the campaigning season, throwing his full support behind Luka Doncic for MVP. Redick’s argument is simple: if the Lakers and Doncic finish the season on their current hot streak, the trophy belongs in Dallas. This highlights a growing trend in the league where the MVP race is no longer just about the best player on the best team, but about the individual who can maintain the highest level of ‘unstoppability’ as the pressure mounts in late March.

The Minnesota Rollercoaster and a New Era in Portland

The Minnesota Timberwolves provided the week’s most ‘NBA’ moment. Star Anthony Edwards returned from a six-game absence on Monday night but famously missed the opening tip-off because, as he put it, ‘nature called.’ While the locker room might laugh off the bathroom break, the Wolves are facing a more serious reality with Jaden McDaniels. The defensive anchor is now week-to-week with a knee injury, a massive blow to a team trying to secure home-court advantage. The trend in Minnesota is clear: they have the star power, but their health and consistency remain frustratingly volatile.

Off the court, the NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers to the Dundon group. Moving away from Paul Allen’s estate marks a massive shift for the franchise. Tom Dundon, known for his aggressive and hands-on ownership of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, is expected to bring a similar ‘win-now’ philosophy to Portland. This change in leadership could signal a very active off-season for a Blazers team that has been stuck in a rebuild for several seasons.

Cross-League Synergy and the Jokic Factor

In a lighter moment that shows the tightening bond between the NBA and the WNBA, Nikola Jokic addressed recent praise from Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. When asked about her high marks for his game, Jokic joked that the explanation was simple: ‘Same agent.’ While played for laughs, it underscores a growing trend of mutual respect and brand-sharing between the two leagues. As Clark prepares for her next season and Jokic eyes another deep playoff run, the crossover appeal of these two superstars is reaching an all-time high, benefiting the commercial health of basketball as a whole.

What to Watch Next Week

As we move into April, all eyes will be on the Western Conference standings. Can Luka Doncic maintain the MVP momentum JJ Redick is building for him? We will also be watching the Chicago Bulls’ locker room to see how they respond to the Ivey departure—will this be a ‘addition by subtraction’ moment that fuels a play-in push? Finally, keep an eye on the Timberwolves’ defensive rotations; without McDaniels, their ability to stop elite wings will be the ultimate test of their championship aspirations.