4 early potential buyout market targets to watch for the Bulls

Potential early Chicago Bulls buyout market targets: Torrey Craig

One of the most realistic potential buyout market targets for the Bulls next month could be the fourth-year former USC Upstate journeyman wing, Torrey Craig. This proven and versatile two-way small forward could really contribute some value to the Bulls playing in the second or third unit.

Depending on whether former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and the Indiana Pacers decide to tear it all down and start the rebuilding process around the trade deadline this season, Craig might be a player that falls right into the Bulls’ lap in the buyout market. Craig does have two years remaining on his current contract, but he’s only getting around $5 million in average annual value through the end of next season.

It wouldn’t cost the Pacers all that much to buy Craig out. And if they want to make room to give some younger players a bigger role down the stretch this season, Craig could be one of the first to go.

What a wing like Craig could bring to the table for the Bulls is an established player that is versatile enough to play at any position between the two and the four. And if the Bulls are willing to entrust forward Derrick Jones Jr. playing minutes at the five so far this season, what’s to stop Donovan from giving Craig minutes there too.

Craig is one of the better on-ball wing defenders out there among reserves in the Eastern Conference. He’s also a decent shooter and a fierce rebounder. This type of effort and energy could be a nice boost to the Bulls’ bench down the stretch this season.