Why the Bulls Need to Hold On to Ayo Dosunmu at the Trade Deadline
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls find themselves at a crossroads. With a roster heavy on expiring contracts, another season slipping toward the lottery, and no clear path to contention, it's no surprise the front office is actively working the phones.
The buzz around a potential teardown is growing louder, and names like Coby White and Nikola Vucevic are already floating in trade rumors. But amid the speculation and potential shake-up, there’s one name the Bulls should keep out of trade talks entirely: Ayo Dosunmu.
Dosunmu Fits the Future
Unless a bona fide superstar is coming back in return, trading Dosunmu would be a mistake. He’s not just another young player on an expiring deal-he’s a critical piece of what the Bulls should be building toward. While Coby White has had his moments, it’s clear that Dosunmu is the better long-term fit, especially with Chicago’s intention to develop around Josh Giddey and rookie Matas Buzelis.
Let’s break that down. Giddey, for all his playmaking upside, has defensive limitations.
Pairing him with White, a smaller guard who also struggles on that end, creates a backcourt that opposing offenses would exploit night after night. Dosunmu, on the other hand, brings size, athleticism, and defensive versatility.
He can guard multiple positions, switch across matchups, and hold his own without needing the ball in his hands. That’s the kind of player you want next to Giddey and Buzelis-someone who complements their skill sets rather than overlapping or exposing their weaknesses.
Production Without the Spotlight
What makes Dosunmu’s case even stronger is how quietly effective he’s been. In his fifth NBA season, he’s putting up career highs across the board-points, shooting percentages, efficiency-all while playing the fewest minutes of his career.
That’s not easy to do. It speaks to his ability to make the most of every possession, to stay engaged without dominating the ball, and to contribute in ways that don’t always show up on the highlight reel.
He’s shooting the ball better than ever, especially from three, and his scoring has become more consistent. But perhaps more importantly, he’s shown he can thrive in a reduced role-something that’s essential for a team trying to reshape its identity around younger stars.
He doesn’t need 15 shots a game to make an impact. He just needs minutes, and he’ll do the rest.
Value Contract Incoming
Then there’s the financial side. Dosunmu’s next contract won’t break the bank.
Unlike White, who’s already secured a sizable deal thanks to his scoring numbers and draft pedigree, Dosunmu is likely to come at a more team-friendly price. That matters for a front office trying to retool without locking up too much cap space.
You get a two-way guard, entering his prime, who fits your core and doesn’t eat up your flexibility? That’s a win.
This season has been about evaluation for the Bulls-figuring out who’s worth investing in and who’s not. Dosunmu has made that decision pretty easy.
He’s efficient, versatile, and plays winning basketball. In a year full of question marks, he’s been one of the few clear answers.
The Bulls Can’t Afford to Get This One Wrong
Artūras Karnišovas and the Bulls front office have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks. There’s pressure to shake things up, to move expiring deals, and to finally commit to a direction. But in the midst of all that, they can’t lose sight of what’s working.
Dosunmu isn’t just a trade chip-he’s a foundational piece for a team that desperately needs to start building something sustainable. He’s already shown he can produce, defend, and adapt. He’s doing it now, and he’ll keep doing it if given the chance.
If the Bulls are serious about turning the page and building a team that can grow together, Ayo Dosunmu needs to be part of that future.