Chicago Bulls' big man Taj Gibson underwent surgery on his left ankle, the team announced Friday. He is expected to be out of action for four months.

As reported by ESPN, the arthroscopy and repair of the ankle was performed by Dr. David Porter, and Indianapolis-based foot specialist. The Bulls have since said that Gibson has begun his rehabilitation process for the ankle.

Gibson has been haunted by left ankle issues for the better part of the past two seasons. Back in February, he also made known that he was playing with a stage 2 ligament tear in his left hand.

"That's never going to go away," the 29-year-old said back in February about his troublesome ankle. "Doctors told me that's going to go away after the season is done. But I said, "Doc, whatever it takes, just bandage me up.' I'm going to get my treatment and do what I can do out there on the court. No excuses. Try to help my team any way I can."

Gibson has been a vital part of the Bulls' core the past few years, but with the acquisition of All-Star center Pau Gasol, and rookie Nikola Mirotic, the forward saw his name pop up in a few trade scenarios during the course of the season. Gibson still has two years left, and $16 million left on his current deal. With him scheduled to miss the next four months, it is expected that his name will be taken out of trade talks for the meanwhile.

Despite his injuries, Gibson was able to play in 62 games this past season for the Bulls. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He played in all 12 of the Bulls' postseason games averaging 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1 block before being eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.