Zach LaVine is close to a return for the Chicago Bulls after missing 15 games with a right foot injury.

The star guard on Monday was assigned to the Windy City Bulls — the team’s G League affiliate — to begin contact practices this week.

LaVine began to ramp up his activity Dec. 26, testing his comfort level in lateral movements and cutting exercises. After progressing through the last week without any setbacks, he will begin contact practices with Windy City, the final hurdle before being cleared for a return to play.

Although LaVine has traveled with the Bulls for all but one road game since he was initially injured, he will stay home from a two-game trip to Philadelphia and New York this week to participate in practices.

LaVine has been sidelined since Nov. 29, when the Bulls shut him down from inflammation on the exterior of his right foot. The team set a three- to four-week estimated recovery window for LaVine on Dec. 6, which the guard is on track to follow. Coach Billy Donovan still has not set a return date for LaVine.

The Bulls are 10-5 in LaVine’s absence as the team underwent an offensive transformation behind a breakout performance from starting point guard Coby White. It was a crucial turning point in the Bulls season — both on and off the court.

The Bulls appear to have found an identity to win with the current roster, but they have yet to test how LaVine can fit into that style of play. And after starting the season in the spotlight because of reports of his interest in a trade, LaVine’s absence has only raised the stakes for his status with the team as the Feb. 8 trade deadline nears.

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