The 33-year-old Craig will be entering his eighth season in the NBA this fall. If the Suns want Craig back, they can only offer him a veteran-minimum contract (which wouldn’t be that much of a difference to Craig’s $2.8 million option) as part of the stipulations of the team operating over the second-tax apron ($190 million) due to having the NBA’s highest projected payroll next season at $209 million.
Craig was originally traded to the Suns from the Milwaukee Bucks at the deadline in 2021 and came off the bench in the team’s run to the Finals this same season. He then was signed to a two-year, $10 million deal by the Indiana Pacers in free agency.
However, Phoenix traded right back for Craig at the deadline in 2022. He played a bench role in the Valley that season, but then started 60 of his 78 games played for the Suns in the 2022-23 season, which was his best season statistically in his career.
In 138 total regular season games (70 starts) in Phoenix, the 6-foot-7 Craig averaged 7.3 points on 46.5/37.4/73.2 shooting splits and 5.0 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game. He played in 42 playoff games (five starts) and averaged 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds.
The Bulls saw the defensive versatility that Craig brought to Phoenix and signed him to a two-year, $5.37 million deal last summer. Craig played in 53 games (14 starts) this past season for Chicago, averaging 5.7 points on 43/39.2/75 shooting splits and 4.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.
Now, Chicago could be looking to re-tool with younger players this offseason after trading away Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey yesterday.
The Suns added a similar player to Craig in Royce O’Neale at the trade deadline this past season. The 31-year-old, 6-foot-6 O’Neale will be a free agent this offseason, but is reportedly expected to re-sign with Phoenix.
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