East Notes: Bulls, Zach LaVine, Knicks, Hawks

Bulls

Guard Zach LaVine may be a ways off from returning from a right foot injury, perhaps making his already so-so trade value even worse, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I don’t want to put a timetable on it,” coach Billy Donovan told reporters. “The issue is it’s the ankle and the foot. I think the ankle has healed up pretty well. I think he’s still dealing with some foot discomfort. That’s the concerning part.”

Basically, LaVine and the Bulls reportedly have been hoping to move on from the other, but it seems unlikely to happen before the Feb. 8 deadline.

• As Cowley wrote of the LaVine situation: “Not good for the current Bulls roster in the standings, and definitely not good for a trade value that wasn’t very high in the first place.”

Knicks

• The Knicks went 14-2 in January for their best month in 30 years, though they still might be looking to add a piece or two. “Big picture for the Knicks, if anything it’s a stop-gap guy, short-term guy,” said Michael Scotto of HoopsHype on The Putback podcast.
• The Knicks have been linked to Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and several others. They are reportedly looking to trade guard Quentin Grimes, too. We have the latest right here.

Hawks

Star guard Trae Young said sometimes it’s as simple as just getting buckets. That’s what the Hawks did in Tuesday’s win over the Lakers whenever Los Angeles tried to make a run.

“We were making shots,” Young told reporters. “Sometimes when you don’t make shots, it allows them to stay in the game, have a rhythm, feel good about themselves. But nights like tonight, when you make shots, they can’t have that feeling.”

• Guard Dejounte Murray remains the Lakers’ top trade target despite the fact talks have slowed lately. We have the latest at this link.