Bulls veteran wing surprisingly opts in, could become summer trade asset

A veteran wing for the Chicago Bulls is exercising his 2024-25 player option, providing Chicago with a trade sweetener for summer roster shopping.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday that Torrey Craig has picked up his $2.8M player option for next season.

Craig, 33, averaged 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 53 games for the Bulls last season, his first with the team.

Craig started in 14 games for Chicago in 2023-24, and he's still a viable rotational wing for most if not all NBA teams. Given what Craig can still provide defensively as a player capable of guarding multiple positions, no one would have been shocked to see Craig decline his option and test the free agency market.

While the Bulls are not deep at the wing position, especially with DeMar DeRozan's future in Chicago slipping away, Chicago will more than likely be using Craig as a trade piece over the next few weeks.

The Bulls have as many unanswered roster questions as anyone, starting with their never-ending search for a Zach LaVine suitor.

Craig's value would be irrelevant in any LaVine offers, but the seven-year pro could be thrown into an important deal for a center, an obvious area of need for Chicago.

On the other hand, bringing back Craig for one more year -- especially at such a low price -- wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for the Bulls.

Chicago's roster is shaping up to be young and inexperienced, meaning a weathered veteran like Craig would bring balance and leadership to the locker room.

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