Bulls HC Billy Donovan 'doesn't know' if Zach LaVine will return from injury before trade deadline

As NBA trade rumors swirl around Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, it appears potential suitors may not see him take the floor again prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Or at the very least, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan didn't provide a very optimistic outlook about the potential of that being the case.

Ahead of the Bulls' matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Donovan was asked about whether LaVine would return before the trade deadline and he provided just a simple four-word answer.

"I just don't know," he said, as ESPN's Dave McMenamin passed along.

LaVine has been involved in trade buzz and various rumors since the early stages of the 2023-24 NBA season. But even with that being the case, it hasn't led to much in terms of major updates on his outlook, aside from reports related to a general lack of a market surrounding the talented guard.

Back in early December was roughly when things began to look a bit bleak, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on "NBA Countdown" that there was "no market" currently for LaVine. He ultimately stated that the Bulls may need to hope they find a team that will take on the guard's contract.

LaVine has been linked to the Lakers, among other teams, but the roughly $178 million remaining on the five-year, $215 million contract he signed appears to be creating pause for many potential suitors.

While it would be surprising if LaVine remained in Chicago through the trade deadline, the Bulls seem less and less likely to get the type of value they likely want for LaVine as the days go by and we get closer to the deadline.