The Chicago Bulls’ recent performance surge has drawn attention across the league, especially because of the absence of star player Zach LaVine. Initially struggling with a disappointing 5-14 record, the Bulls had an impressive run to a four-game winning streak and a recent victory over the Miami Heat.
This turnaround has happened while LaVine has been sidelined due to foot inflammation, an injury expected to keep him out for a further three to four weeks, according to Bulls PR. The timing of LaVine’s absence is notable, considering the approaching NBA trade deadline.
The Bulls are 5-2 since Zach LaVine sat out.
[ᶠᵘᵗᵘʳᵉ ᴸᵃᵏᵉʳ] pic.twitter.com/xLXrGwpbXQ
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) December 15, 2023
The Athletic’s Shams Charania highlighted that LaVine might be unavailable until mid-January, a time when most players become eligible for trades. Interestingly, LaVine had previously expressed a desire to be traded in November. His future with the Bulls now appears uncertain, as the team evaluates its performance in his absence.
“He’s going to be ending up missing a total of at least 4-5 weeks… Zach LaVine and the Bulls have been open to exploring trade avenues, but for now he will remain shelved”@ShamsCharania with the latest on LaVine’s foot injury
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— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 7, 2023
NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson reports that the Bulls’ decision-maker, Arturas Karnisovas, is carefully observing the team’s performance in LaVine’s absence to decide what to do next. This situation has raised questions about whether a full rebuild is necessary or if trading LaVine, a two-time All-Star, could address many of the team’s issues. The decision could also affect other key players like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan.
The Bulls’ recent success without LaVine raises questions about his role and impact on the team. Is their winning streak just a coincidence, or does it suggest deeper issues with LaVine’s fit in the current roster? Also, how does this situation affect LaVine’s trade value, especially given the team’s improved performance in his absence?
Zach LaVine is reportedly uncommitted to play for Billy Donovan
As per reports, Zach LaVine’s time with the Chicago Bulls is being ruined by a strained relationship with head coach Billy Donovan. According to various sources, their relationship has worsened over the past seasons. The Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley reported that the professional connection between LaVine and Donovan is “basically broken,” especially from LaVine’s perspective.
The tension between LaVine and Donovan has been talks for some time. Their relationship had a difficult time during the last season and it seems that this has continued into the current season.
According to @JCowleyHoops:
1) There continues to be no trade market interest in Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. Zach and his camp want to be traded to LA.
2) Zach’s relationship with Billy Donovan is “completely broken from a professional standpoint, mostly on LaVine’s end.”
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 13, 2023
“Another source said that the relationship between LaVine and coach Billy Donovan, while still amicable, is broken from a professional standpoint, mostly on LaVine’s end. He would rather make ripples than waves but no longer wants to play for Donovan and really hasn’t wanted to since last season.”
The reported conflict with Donovan adds further complexity to LaVine’s future with the Bulls. With Donovan seemingly secure in his position, LaVine’s future with the Bulls appears increasingly uncertain.