Chicago Bulls Star Zach LaVine Out for Season After Foot Surgery
In a major blow to the Chicago Bulls, two-time All-Star Zach LaVine will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season due to a foot injury that has plagued him for 24 games. After consulting with medical experts and the Bulls’ training staff, LaVine and his representation, Klutch Sports Group, have decided that surgery is the necessary next step in his recovery process. The surgery is scheduled for the week of February 5.
LaVine, 28, will face a lengthy recovery period of 4-6 months. This means that the Bulls will have to navigate the rest of the season without their star guard. LaVine has been a key contributor for the team, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. While his numbers this season are not his best, his rebounding has reached a career high.
The Bulls had been actively exploring trade options for LaVine prior to the February 8 deadline. However, his injury history and the remaining $138 million on his contract made it challenging to find a suitable trade partner. Additionally, the team’s performance in his absence has raised questions about his style of play and impact on the court.
With LaVine sidelined, the Bulls will have to reassess their plans for the remainder of the season and the upcoming offseason. It is unlikely that they will be able to move him for anything other than a salary dump. This may prompt the team to make smaller adjustments to their lineup, potentially including the departure of Andre Drummond, another two-time All-Star on the roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, there is a possibility that the Bulls’ stance on trading LaVine could change. However, sources indicate that the team is more likely to make minor tweaks rather than major moves if a trade is not feasible. Fans will have to wait and see how the Bulls navigate this challenging situation and adjust their plans moving forward.
Contending teams are eager to have Drummond as a backup big and an additional player to challenge the likes of the 76ers’ Joel Embiid or the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic during a playoff series. According to Cowlet, the return for Drummond in a trade would not be significant, possibly just a struggling young big and a second-round pick at most.
Cowley predicts that there is a 60% chance Drummond will be traded, which is the highest likelihood among the team’s players. Following Drummond are DeMar DeRozan, LaVine, and Alex Caruso.
DeRozan has made it clear that he has never asked for a trade and has no intentions of doing so.
Despite Caruso being the Bulls’ best trade asset in terms of players, the team wants to keep him on board, as stated by Cowley. This decision could potentially hinder their progress and leave them stuck in their current position, aiming for ninth place in the Eastern Conference and, at best, a Play-In Tournament spot.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for the tabloid.
