Bulls' trade candidate to miss at least two weeks of action

The Chicago Bulls are 18-21 after a 124-119 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Missing Coby White, Lonzo Ball filled in to replace Chicago's third-leading scorer in the starting lineup. Ball scored a season-high 15 points behind five three-pointers.

White wasn't the only Bull to be absent against the Kings. Guard Ayo Dosunmu missed his ninth consecutive contest as he continues to deal with a left calf sprain. Dosunmu was originally slated to miss five games before needing additional time to recover fully. Fortunately, it appears the fourth-year guard is nearing a return as his injury status was changed from out to doubtful ahead of the Bulls contest versus the Kings.

Besides Dosunmu and White, another Bull was absent from the lineup. That Bull was Torrey Craig, who was ruled out with a lower leg contusion. Although he's only suited up for nine contests this season, Craig is a useful veteran who is more than capable of filling in whenever called upon. While the lower leg contusion wasn't expected to be serious, Billy Donovan later stated that Craig is to be out "awhile."

Torrey Craig to be out for at least two weeks

Nearly an hour later, Chicago officially announced that Craig would be re-evaluated in two weeks after being diagnosed with a sprained right ankle on top of the leg contusion. The 34-year-old forward will miss Chicago's next eight contests with the possibility to return prior to the Bulls' three-game road trip to end January.

Craig's absence comes at a fascinating time. The eight-year pro is slated to return to action just before February, conveniently ahead of the trade deadline. While there's no need for Chicago to increase Craig's minutes before February 6 to attract suitors, it's beneficial for the Bulls if Craig is deemed healthy by the deadline.

At 34 years old, tallying over 400 games of NBA experience, teams are well aware of what Craig brings to the table. All in all, he's a stout defender who can knock down spot-up triples. The veteran averages 1.1 "stocks" per game throughout his career and holds a 35.5 three-point percentage.

Despite being out of the Bulls' rotation for most of the season, Craig remains an intriguing trade candidate. Earning the veteran's minimum, of $2.5 million, the 6-foot-7 guard is one of the easier players to trade for. Salary cap-strapped, contending teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets can swap minimum-level contracts (even below $2.5 million) to acquire Craig. While it's unlikely Chicago agrees to a straight minimum contract swap, there's an opportunity for the Bulls to acquire a future second-rounder in exchange for the 3-and-D wing.