Bulls Rumors: Zach LaVine out at Least 1-2 Weeks with Ankle Injury amid Trade Buzz

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is expected to be out at least one-to-two weeks due to a right ankle sprain, per The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania.

LaVine suffered the injury during Thursday night's win over the Toronto Raptors, though he attempted to played through it and remained in the game for a few minutes after the injury. On Friday, he underwent testing, revealing the sprain.

The injury comes amid trade buzz surrounding LaVine, who missed all of December with an injury. The 10-year veteran could very well be on the move ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, but the injury likely doesn't help his value.

In 25 games this season, LaVine is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.

LaVine initially seemed in the mix to land with the Philadelphia 76ers or the Los Angeles Lakers, but those destinations now seem unlikely.

The 76ers are reportedly more interested in picking up a two-way player rather than an offensive-minded guard like LaVine. For Los Angeles, the Lakers are reportedly not interested in adding a third max player, meaning they likely won't be gunning for LaVine.

With those two teams out of the picture, it's unclear where LaVine could land in a possible trade. The Sacramento Kings, who are seemingly interested in picking up a third star to play alongside De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, could be on the table, as well as other fringe teams looking for a boost like the Golden State Warriors or Miami Heat.

LaVine's scoring has taken a dip since the 2020-21 season when he averaged 27.4 points per game, but he could be a reliable second or third scoring option if traded to the right team.

As for right now, getting healthy is the main priority for LaVine.

LaVine managed to play just seven games between his previous injury and his new one, and the Bulls won five of those seven games. Now with LaVine sidelined for several games, Chicago will be looking to keep things together to remain in the playoff race. The Bulls sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 20-23, but a bad stretch of games without LaVine could set them back.