The Chicago Bulls officially announced on Thursday that center Jalen Smith and guard Jaden Ivey will miss the remainder of the season due to unsatisfactory recovery from injuries.

With only 10 games remaining in the regular season and the team sitting at 29 wins and 43 losses, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls' management, for the sake of long-term health, chose to put these two young core players out of the game early.

As an important rotation player in the Bulls' frontcourt, Smith unfortunately aggravated a recurrence of an old right calf injury in Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 26-year-old stretch big man has missed 12 games since January due to calf problems.

Despite being plagued by injuries, Smith still delivered the best performance of his career this season. In 53 games played, he averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds, with a career-high 37.3% three-point shooting percentage.

With his excellent rim protection and outside shooting ability, Smith has been officially recognized by the Bulls' management as a key piece of the team's future core lineup. This early rest is intended to ensure his full recovery so he can be in top form for next season.

In contrast, Ivy's season-ending injury adds a touch of tragedy. As a key acquisition for the Bulls at the trade deadline, the 24-year-old Ivy had previously suffered catastrophic leg injuries, including right knee surgery and a fractured left leg.

After joining the Bulls, Ivy only played four games for the team before being placed on the injured list again due to knee soreness. Last week, Ivy suffered another knee collision during rehabilitation practice, ultimately prompting the team to decide to suspend him for the rest of the season.

Ivy, in the final year of his rookie contract, will become a restricted free agent this summer. This season-ending injury not only delays his return plans but also casts a shadow over his future contract prospects.

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