Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine will not be on the transfer forward of the NBA commerce deadline on Feb. 8.
In a stunning twist, the Bulls introduced Saturday that, in session with the crew and his illustration, Klutch Sports activities Group, LaVine has opted to bear proper foot surgical procedure, ending his season.
LaVine has been inactive since Jan. 18. however the crew hoped he’d return to the hardwood earlier than the deadline. But, these expectations took an enormous hit final week when head coach Billy Donovan stated bluntly, “I just don’t know,” after being questioned concerning the former first-round decide’s standing.
The 28-year-old had been the topic of commerce rumors earlier than Saturday’s announcement. Experiences linked him to a number of potential suitors, together with the crew with the NBA’s worst record, the Detroit Pistons. Whether or not the commerce market performed a job in LaVine’s choice to bear surgical procedure is unclear.
LaVine has had points staying wholesome all through this season, lacking almost half the season with the foot ailment. He missed a 17-game stretch by way of January earlier than returning briefly for seven video games, solely to sit down out once more after rolling the identical ankle.
Within the 25 video games he did play, LaVine averaged 19.5 factors, 5.2 rebounds, and three.9 assists for the 23-26 Bulls, who proceed to tread water in ninth place within the Jap Convention standings.
The information leaves the Bulls with out one in every of their marquee commerce chip developing on the deadline. They will be unable to show LaVine into bolstered long-term property. Nonetheless, Alex Caruso may nonetheless web the franchise precious draft fairness.