Bulls' Zach LaVine to have season-ending foot surgery

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is going to have season-ending surgery on his right foot, creating several major questions for the franchise ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline and into next year.

LaVine and his agency, Klutch Sports Group, decided to proceed with surgery after consulting with external medical professionals and the team’s training and medical staff, according to a Saturday announcement by the Bulls. The two-time All-Star is slated for surgery next week and is anticipated to be sidelined for four to six months.

Coach Billy Donovan said, “He made a decision prioritizing his health, which he believed was best. I truly believe he exhausted all efforts to return to the game. However, his foot discomfort reached a point where he felt he couldn’t perform to his usual standard or contribute significantly. I think this was incredibly frustrating and difficult for him.”

Injury Update: The next phase in Zach LaVine’s recovery process involves surgery on his right foot.

LaVine will be out 4-6 months.

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LaVine, set to turn 29 in March, was sidelined for 17 games from Nov. 30 to Jan. 3 due to inflammation in his right foot. Despite a sluggish start to the season, Chicago managed a 10-7 record in his absence.

The guard who often scores high returned on Jan. 5 against Charlotte, sparking a stretch of five victories in seven games for the Bulls. However, during a 116-110 win at Toronto on Jan. 18, he injured his right ankle.

Donovan stated that LaVine’s ankle problem has been resolved, but his foot was not responding positively to treatment.

“Donovan confessed, “On a personal level, I feel sorry for him. As I’ve mentioned before, I know his deep desire to play and to be on the field. His inability to do so genuinely upsets him.”

In June 2017, LaVine was obtained in a trade with Minnesota. In July 2022, he inked a new five-year agreement with the team, valued at approximately $215 million. This season, he has averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 25 games. In the preceding four years, he consistently scored an average of 24.4 points or more and participated in a minimum of 58 games each year.

“Four to six months indicates a real surgery, and it’s unfortunate for him, especially since he just faced a challenge not long ago,” said his teammate, Alex Caruso. “You can’t help but empathize with him.”

The Chicago team, which has suffered significantly from injuries in recent seasons, has been dealt another harsh setback. Lonzo Ball, a player from the team, hasn’t participated in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, due to a left knee injury. Additionally, Patrick Williams, the No. 4 pick by the Bulls in the 2020 draft, is sidelined with a left foot injury.

Donovan stated that he was unaware of the precise details about LaVine’s surgery. On Saturday, LaVine chose not to communicate with the media.

His recovery timeline suggests that he may have limitations at the start of the next season as he gradually returns to form post-operation.

“Nobody is coming to our rescue. We still have to go out there, play games and work,” said Caruso before Saturday night’s match against Sacramento. “Tonight is the 50th game, we still have 32 more to play after this.”

LaVine’s injury puts Chicago in a compromising position ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. The Bulls went into the game against the Kings with a 23-26 record.

If Chicago opts to disband its team, Caruso and DeMar DeRozan would probably garner attention. However, if they retain Caruso and DeRozan, they can recruit additional aid to lighten the burden on their guards, which has intensified due to injuries to LaVine and others.

“Whatever they choose is essentially their call,” said Caruso. “As a team member, my responsibility is to be present and fulfill my role, which is to play basketball every night.”