Billy Donovan won't put a timeline on Zach LaVine’s return

"I don't want to put a timeline on him because I just don't know how long ankle sprains take to heal."

© Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Chicago Bulls have pegged Zach LaVine to be out for one to two weeks, coach Billy Donovan isn’t putting a concrete timeline on his return, saying the All-Star guard will be back on the floor when he's ready to do so.

Take time to heal

The 25-year-old injured his ankle in a game against the Toronto Raptors when he drove to the basket and rolled his ankle. The team’s medical team eventually diagnosed him with an ankle sprain that would place him on the sidelines for a few weeks.

“He certainly has swelling. I mean, that’s pretty clear,” Donovan said.

“I don’t want to put a timeline on it because I just don’t know how long ankle sprains take to heal. They did imaging. Clearly, he has an ankle sprain, and they’ll treat him and get him back as soon as he can (go).”

LaVine’s frustration is understandable.

This is only his seventh game back from a 17-game absence because of a right foot injury.

LaVine’s been patient in his return, sacrificing shots/touches and being outright deferential to facilitate for teammates. Now this. https://t.co/0fp2dibNlz

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) January 19, 2024

Impacts trade negotiations

Apart from the impact of LaVine’s absence on the Bulls’ performance on the floor, it also impacts whatever efforts the front office may make in trade negotiations. LaVine and his representation made it known late last year how open they were to playing elsewhere. 

However, LaVine’s foot injury and the fact that the Bulls went 10-7 without him may have dampened his trade market. This ankle sprain sidelining him for a few games may further hinder any potential trade talks. 

This affects not only the Bulls' ability to make moves but also LaVine's future and possible opportunities to play on a different team. It's a challenging situation for both parties involved.

“Just when executives start getting real with their trade proposals, the Bulls’ best player is once again on the shelf. LaVine’s injury doesn’t prevent a deal, but it’s another factor that dissuades rivals from taking on LaVine if the Bulls are determined to move him before the deadline,” Darnell Mayberry wrote for The Athletic.

Zach driving downhill 💨@NBCSChicago | @ZachLaVine pic.twitter.com/uifTnpCxWW

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 19, 2024

Zach LaVine to miss 1-2 weeks due to a sprained ankle