Bulls Injury Report: Zach LaVine Set to Go Under the Knife Again; Might Miss 4-6 Months

There’s no escaping injuries for Chicago’s Zach LaVine. The 28-year-old forward-guard just fell to another dry spell as the Bulls announced a season-ending injury. Given his history, this latest development is not surprising. But with him being a notable trade prospect, this update only serves to throw water on any plans that Chicago might have made.

The 2x All-Star missed a large chunk earlier in the season due to a right foot inflammation. While it was said to have been healed, it seems like the inflammation flared up.

The recent update by Shams Charania revealed that LaVine is to undergo a foot surgery that will keep him out for at least four to six months. His agency, Klutch Sports, decided to go ahead with the procedure after discussions with the medical team. No reason to drag it out, after all.

The surgery is expected to take place in the next couple of days. The flare-up took place in the wake of an ankle injury Zach sustained last month. Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was truly a valuable asset until the ACL tear in 2017 in a loss to the Detroit Pistons. Since then, LaVine has been frequently plagued by injuries. 2018 saw him injure his left ankle in the fourth quarter of the Bulls vs Magic on December 13. That left him sidelined for five games.

Move forward to 2020 and it was his quad that came in the way of trying to be the leader the team wanted him to be. And just like that, his second season with Chicago ended early.

In late 2021, the UCLA product tested positive for COVID-19. Going into the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Zach LaVine was expected to miss 5/6 games. The final number was 11. And then 2022 was the time for his knee. The same left knee with the ACL tear was the prey here. January saw him miss six games and February, another four – effectively ruining his All-Star break.

Read More: Bulls Trade Rumor: Ex-Lakers Star Hangs Selfish Motives in Public as Zach LaVine’s Future Sees No Certainty

Having already missed 24 games this season, his recurring injuries have proved too cumbersome for the Bulls franchise. Not to mention the dip in his stat sheet. It is proving to be a stumbling block for interested teams to agree on a mutually beneficial trade, especially in the wake of a very interested Pistons team.

Will LaVine find himself in Detroit soon?

The Lakers made it seem like they were the forerunners for a Zach LaVine trade. That did not materialize, though. Yet, the Detroit Pistons trade rumor seemed to be substantial. According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Pistons could be a real deal.

Yet, it is the exchange that is underwhelming. The Chicago Bulls are looking to get a balanced return – a mixture of prospects and draft picks. And probably a veteran that could potentially help them win now, but can be overturned down the road, if need be.

The ‘Motor City’ does have the “balance,” but they aren’t willing to separate from their young core. So what is in store for the Bulls veteran? Will a trade happen amidst all the noise surrounding Zach LaVine? Let us know your thoughts!

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