Ayo Dosunmu isn’t just one of the more intriguing names floating around ahead of the NBA trade deadline-he might be one of the most efficient, under-the-radar guards available. The 26-year-old has quietly outperformed his contract every year he’s been in the league, and now, with his current deal set to expire, teams are circling.
Let’s be clear: the Bulls aren’t actively shopping him. But with Dosunmu in the final year of a three-year, $21 million deal, and with his value steadily climbing, it’s no surprise that his name is surfacing in trade chatter.
A Career Year at the Right Time
Dosunmu’s production this season speaks for itself. He’s averaging 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game-solid numbers for a guard who’s not the primary ball-handler.
But what really jumps off the page is his shooting efficiency. He’s hitting 51.2% from the field and a scorching 44.1% from three, while making nearly two triples per game.
That kind of marksmanship, especially from a player who can also defend multiple positions, is exactly what playoff contenders are looking for.
This isn’t a fluke either. Over the past three seasons, Dosunmu has consistently shot better than 49% from three-an elite mark, even in today’s spacing-obsessed NBA. He’s proven he can thrive as both a starter and a complementary piece, and that versatility is why teams are paying attention.
Dosunmu vs. Coby White: The Bulls’ Backcourt Dilemma
Dosunmu isn’t the only Bulls guard drawing interest. Coby White is having a strong season of his own, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while connecting on 2.6 threes per game. But there’s a significant difference when it comes to cost.
White reportedly turned down a four-year, $87 million extension and is said to be seeking upwards of $30 million annually. That kind of price tag has cooled the interest from some teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are looking for backcourt help but aren’t in position to take on a major salary commitment.
Dosunmu, on the other hand, is expected to command something closer to the non-taxpayer midlevel exception-around $15 million per year. For teams trying to upgrade without blowing up their cap sheet, that’s a much more palatable number.
Cleveland’s Interest: Fit and Frustration
One team to watch closely in the Dosunmu sweepstakes? The Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland has turned things around after a slow start and currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. With a talented but expensive roster, the Cavs are feeling the pressure to make a move before the deadline. According to reports, they’ve been active in trade discussions and are targeting guards who can help now and fit long-term.
Dosunmu checks a lot of boxes for Cleveland. He’s a reliable secondary creator, doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and can defend multiple positions. That’s exactly the kind of player the Cavs could use alongside their core.
But here’s the rub: Cleveland’s trade flexibility is severely limited. As a second-apron team, they can’t aggregate salaries in a deal, which makes matching contracts a logistical nightmare.
A straight-up offer involving Sam Merrill and draft picks doesn’t move the needle for Chicago. Swapping in Max Strus or trying to offload De’Andre Hunter’s $23.3 million salary only complicates things further.
Realistically, a multi-team deal would be needed to make anything work. But even then, it’s hard to find a scenario where the Bulls get the kind of return they’d want for Dosunmu.
Why the Bulls Might Just Hold On
And that brings us to the other side of the equation: Chicago’s stance.
The Bulls have been vocal about their appreciation for Dosunmu-and for good reason. He’s a plug-and-play guard who can shift roles on the fly.
Need him to initiate offense? He can do that.
Need him to spot up next to a ball-dominant star? No problem.
Need him to defend across the perimeter? He’s more than capable.
That kind of versatility is rare, and it’s why Chicago isn’t going to move him unless they’re blown away by an offer. So far, no such offer has materialized.
The Bottom Line
Interest in Ayo Dosunmu is real-and deserved. He’s having a career year, he’s affordable, and he fits just about any roster.
But desire doesn’t equal deal. The Cavaliers would love to add him, but the math just doesn’t work right now.
And the Bulls, for their part, aren’t about to let him go for pennies on the dollar.
Unless a third (or even fourth) team enters the picture to help facilitate a complex trade, Dosunmu might just stay put. And if he does, Chicago won’t be complaining. They know exactly what they have-and they’re not in a rush to give it up.