Phoenix Suns acquire wing Torrey Craig from Bucks

The Phoenix Suns on Thursday officially acquired wing Torrey Craig from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro first reported that the Suns gave up cash considerations in return for Craig, which helps facilitate a separate deal that’s main pieces have Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker going to Milwaukee and D.J. Augustin and D.J. Wilson headed back to Houston.

Gambadoro notes the Suns have attempted to get Craig in the past.

Suns were in talks with Torrey Craig during free agency but backed off after signing Jae Crowder. Both Monty and James liked him – he gives Suns depth at the wing and another defensive minded player. Trade is not related to injury for Nader or health and safety with Cam.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 17, 2021

Craig, 30, is a hard-nosed defender who made his mark for three seasons from 2017-20 with the Denver Nuggets. After playing professionally in Australia and New Zealand, Craig originally earned a two-way contract from the Nuggets for his play in summer league before impressing and re-upping with Denver on a two-year deal.

He then signed this past offseason with the Bucks on a one-year contract. Craig has struggled this season to find a consistent role under Mike Budenholzer as the athletic 6-foot-7 forward isn’t the biggest offensive threat. Craig has shot 32.3% from three-point range in his four NBA seasons and 44.7% from the field.

For Milwaukee this year in 18 games, Craig averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 11.2 minutes a night.

The Suns were able to fit Craig on the roster with an extra roster spot made available after they waived Damian Jones earlier this season.

Craig will be an extra wing on the end of Monty Williams’ bench, a rotation that is currently down to just two as Cam Johnson (health and safety protocols) remains away from the team while Abdel Nader missed Monday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to right foot soreness. In the long term, Craig will make the Suns feel much more comfortable if they were to have any long-term absences out of that group that also includes Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder.

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