Ayo Dosunmu’s Breakout Season Is Forcing the Bulls’ Hand at the Trade Deadline
As the NBA trade deadline looms, the rumor mill is running full tilt - and few teams are drawing more curiosity than the Chicago Bulls. Between expiring contracts, a middling record, and whispers of a soft rebuild, the Bulls are shaping up to be one of the most pivotal teams to watch over the next couple of weeks.
From Coby White being linked to Minnesota, to Nikola Vucevic’s name floating around Golden State, Chicago’s roster is suddenly full of movable pieces. On paper, it looks like a team ready to sell: they’re hovering in the middle of the Eastern Conference, lacking the upside of a contender but not bad enough to tank outright. The smart play would be to flip veterans and role players for future assets and finally commit to a rebuild that’s been long overdue.
But here’s the wrinkle: the Bulls front office, led by Artūras Karnišovas, has a track record of clinging to the status quo. Karnišovas has been one of the more polarizing executives in the league, often criticized for his reluctance to pull the trigger on major changes unless absolutely forced. And with the Bulls sitting less than three games out of the sixth seed, there’s a real concern that they’ll once again talk themselves into staying the course - even if the long-term upside just isn’t there.
Still, one thing has become increasingly clear: Ayo Dosunmu isn’t going anywhere.
Dosunmu’s Leap Has Made Him Untouchable
Heading into the season, the Bulls made it clear this would be a “prove-it” year. The front office wanted to see who could be part of the long-term core and who might be better used as trade bait. Ayo Dosunmu didn’t just rise to the occasion - he’s made himself indispensable.
The former Illinois standout has taken a major step forward across the board. His length and defensive instincts have always been there, but now he’s pairing that with improved playmaking and a much more reliable three-point shot. In a backcourt that’s been crowded and inconsistent, Dosunmu has carved out a clear role - and more importantly, a future.
He’s become a plug-and-play piece for head coach Billy Donovan. Injuries?
Lineup changes? Matchup problems?
Dosunmu has handled it all. His versatility has allowed the Bulls to slot him in wherever needed, and he’s responded with career highs in scoring, field goal percentage, and three-point accuracy - all while playing the fewest minutes of his career and coming off the bench more often than not.
That kind of efficiency and adaptability doesn’t just happen. It’s the product of a player who understands the moment and is seizing it - and the Bulls know it.
According to reports, Dosunmu has become “untouchable” in trade discussions. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that logic.
Coby White Could Be the Odd Man Out
If the Bulls do decide to make a move, Coby White might be the guard who draws the most interest - and for good reason. He’s playing some of the best basketball of his career, thriving in a sixth-man role that allows him to showcase his scoring and playmaking without the burden of leading the offense full-time.
White’s value is clear to contending teams looking for a spark off the bench or an injury insurance policy for their starting point guard. He’s also on a contract that, while not cheap, reflects his consistent production over several seasons. That makes him a prime candidate to be flipped for draft capital or young talent.
Chicago has a decision to make. If they’re serious about building around a younger, more versatile core, Dosunmu fits that mold perfectly.
He’s already shown he can contribute in a variety of roles, and he’s still developing. White, on the other hand, may have more trade value right now - and that’s something the Bulls can’t ignore if they’re looking toward the future.
Building Around the Right Pieces
With Dosunmu’s emergence, the Bulls finally have a young guard who looks like a foundational piece. He belongs in the same conversation as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis - not necessarily in terms of raw talent, but in terms of being a player you can build with, not just around.
This trade deadline could be a turning point for Chicago. They’ve flirted with change before but rarely followed through. Now, with Dosunmu proving his worth and other players like White and Vucevic drawing interest, the Bulls have a real opportunity to reshape their roster and set a clearer direction.
Whether they take it remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Ayo Dosunmu has earned his spot in Chicago’s future - and the Bulls would be wise to treat him like the cornerstone he’s becoming.