SUMMARY
- Zach LaVine decided to undergo foot surgery after consulting his agency, Klutch Sports Group.
- The 2x All-Star is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Zach LaVine has been one of the biggest stars of the Chicago Bulls organization. However, he hasn’t been available to help his team over the last couple of games. This season, the 2x All-Star has missed 22 games due to a foot issue that he has been dealing with since the beginning of the ongoing campaign. Unfortunately, LaVine barely showed consistency during the times he was available on the court.
Now, the Bulls recently announced that LaVine in consultation with his representatives from Klutch Sports Group has opted in for surgery. Fans reacted to this by saying, “Blud chose season-ending surgery over playing for the Lakers.” Another fan said, “Got surgery so he wouldn’t be traded to Detroit lmao.”
Blud chose season ending surgery over playing for the Lakers 😂😂😂😭😭😭
— trenton (@36smartfia) February 3, 2024
Got surgery so he wouldn’t be traded to Detroit lmao
— BringBackThePicks (@1CE_TRAE) February 3, 2024
His issues have driven the Bulls to explore trade scenarios recently. The LA Lakers and Detroit Pistons were at the top of the list to acquire him.
Zach LaVine will take four to six months to recover
According to various NBA sources, Zach LaVine is expected to undergo surgery next week. And he will miss the remainder of the season to recover. Head Billy Donovan addressed the decision LaVine made saying, “He made a decision that I think he thought was best for his health.”
He added, “I really feel like he did everything he could to try to get himself back to playing. I think the discomfort in his foot was at a place where I think he just didn’t think he had any chance of being himself and really contributing.” This season, LaVine only appeared for 25 games averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per piece. The recovery period set for the isolation master is between four to six months.
Will Zach LaVine still get traded from the Bulls?
The Bulls have been struggling to figure out a way to utilize three All-Stars. The biggest issue with all of them is consistency. Neither of them has delivered consistent numbers, and this also fluctuates the Bulls’ ability to stay consistent on the court. And injuries like Zach LaVine’s and Lonzo Ball’s have not been easy to deal with.
The Zach LaVine trade rumors to the Detroit Pistons are “real” ahead of the trade deadline.
(via Zach Lowe) pic.twitter.com/cum9o77MoX
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 3, 2024
In an attempt to bring change, the Bulls have been seeking out various trade scenarios. The Lakers, Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat have been the biggest names linked to LaVine. As a result of him being injury-prone this season, the Bulls haven’t been able to find a trade. Additionally, teams aren’t in a position to take over his massive $215 million deal. Right now, a trade may not take place since teams are looking for players who can start immediately.