Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is set to remain sidelined for at least another week due to a right ankle injury, according to head coach Billy Donovan’s announcement to reporters on Thursday.
LaVine will undergo a reevaluation at that point. This setback forces him to miss the Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his third consecutive absence since sustaining the ankle injury on January 18 against the Toronto Raptors.
This injury came during LaVine’s seventh game back from a right foot injury that had kept him out for 17 games earlier in the season.
Coach Donovan expressed uncertainty about LaVine’s return before the NBA’s February 8 trade deadline, stating, “I just don’t know,” as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Shams Charania of The Athletic previously reported that LaVine’s injury is more severe than a grade one sprain.
The injury news adds complexity to the Bulls’ rumored trade discussions involving LaVine. According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, the Bulls have engaged with the Detroit Pistons about a potential trade, seeking a substantial package in return.
The proposed deal included Bojan Bogdanović and one of either Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, or Jalen Duren. However, the Pistons have reportedly shown no interest in parting with their young stars at this time but may reconsider if the Bulls lower their asking price.
With five games left before the trade deadline, the Bulls may face pressure to reevaluate their trade stance if LaVine continues to be sidelined, accumulating a total of 26 missed games this season.
Beyond health concerns, LaVine’s reduced production this season poses another challenge for potential suitors. Averaging fewer than 20 points per game for the first time since the 2018-19 season, LaVine also holds a lower net rating on the court (-5.4) compared to when he is on the sidelines (0.8).
The contract details further complicate trade negotiations, as LaVine has three years remaining on his $43 million average annual value (AAV) deal, with a player option close to $49 million for the 2026-27 season, excluding the rest of the 2023-24 season.
