The Chicago Bulls made NBA news headlines on Monday after they added another player via free agency. This comes in the form of Torrey Craig, who agreed to join Chicago on a two-year deal worth $5.4 million. The interest of Milwaukee Bucks fans, in particular, will be piqued by this signing considering this is the second former Buck (the other one being Jevon Carter) that has signed with one of their Central Division rivals.
Bulls Secure Torrey Craig Amid Rumored Interest From Other Teams
It has been quite a journey for Torrey Craig. He played the first three years of his career with the Denver Nuggets before signing with Milwaukee as a free agent in 2020. His tenure did not last long, though, with the Bucks opting to trade him to the Phoenix Suns after just a few months in exchange for cash considerations and a trade exception. After finding his way to the Indiana Pacers as a free agent, Craig eventually returned to Phoenix in 2022.
Before signing with the Bulls in free agency, there was reportedly a lot of interest in 32-year-old veteran. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings were also in the mix for Craig. He opted to sign with the Bulls, though, where he will likely serve as a back-up forward for Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Torrey Craig Attempts To Pay Off Andre Drummond For Jersey Number
As it turns out, the biggest thing on Craig’s mind as soon as his move to Chicago was official had a lot to do with the jersey number he was going to wear. While the 6-foot-7 forward went with the No. 0 shirt in his last stint with the Suns, Torrey revealed that it’s actually the No. 3 that is his preferred jersey number. This is the same number he wore when he started his career with the Nuggets.
Unfortunately for him, the No. 3 is already taken. This belongs to Andre Drummond, who Craig immediately reached out to to try and strike a deal:
Newest Chicago Bull Torrey Craig offered Andre Drummond $500 to have jersey number 3.
(Picture via @TCraig_23) pic.twitter.com/bFNz5QqD2i
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) July 3, 2023
Torrey Craig really thought he could bribe his new teammates $500 to give up his number. To be fair, he did come close. Drummond said he would be willing to hand over the No. 3 if Torrey was able to convince Coby White to give up the No. 0. Things got complicated a bit, as even the great Scottie Pippen and his retired No. 33 jersey had to get dragged into this hilarious exchange.
It sounds to me like Craig didn’t get the job done. He’ll probably give it another shot, but it seems like Drummond is intent on keeping the No. 3 shirt.
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