- LaVine has played in only 25 games this year due to issues with his right foot
- All eyes will now be on six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan potentially being traded
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Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is set to undergo right foot surgery and will miss the remainder of the season, the team has announced.
The 28-year-old elected to undergo surgery in consultation with the team and his agency Klutch Sports Group.
LaVine was initially predicted to spend a week out of action due to discomfort in his right foot.
He has not featured for the Bulls since January 18 amid problems with his foot and has only taken the court in 25 games this season.
The surgery is expected to keep him on the sidelines for four to six months.
Zach LaVine is set to undergo right foot surgery and will miss the remainder of the season
LaVine had been out since January 18 and previously missed 17 games due to the foot issue
The Bulls are likely to hand over playing time to young players like White and Dosunmu
All eyes will now be on six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan potentially being traded away
Earlier in the season LaVine had missed 17 games due to the issue with his foot.
When he was on the court this season LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
The two-time All-Star’s name had been floated in trade rumors all season although his surgery will likely kill off any chances, he had of being shipped out of Chicago before the trade deadline.
Even before news of the operation ended his season a recent report from NBC stated that the Bulls may have been required to add another asset to any trade package that involved moving on from the two-time Slam Dunk Contest winner.
Multiple reports had begun labeling the Detroit Pistons as having ‘real’ interest in acquiring LaVine, and that the two teams had trade conversations regarding a potential blockbuster deal.
All eyes will now be on six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan who is in the final years of his contract with Chicago and has also had his name in trade rumors throughout the season.
Chicago currently sits ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-26 record and are likely to hand over playing time to young-promising players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
