Timberwolves Pivot from Giannis Dream to Smart Deadline Move with Ayo Dosunmu
The Minnesota Timberwolves had one foot in fantasy and the other in reality heading into this season’s trade deadline. On one hand, team president Tim Connelly had to at least explore the possibility of pulling off a blockbuster for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
When a two-time MVP expresses even a flicker of interest in teaming up with your franchise cornerstone, Anthony Edwards, you pick up the phone. You run the scenarios.
You see if there’s a path-no matter how narrow-to make it happen.
But on the other hand, the Wolves couldn’t afford to get lost in the dream. They’re 32-20, sitting fifth in the West, just a game out of third.
This is a team that’s been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. The window is open, and Connelly had to make sure he didn’t miss the chance to improve the roster that’s already in the fight.
So when it became clear that Giannis wasn’t going anywhere, Minnesota pivoted. Quickly.
The result? A deal that may not make national headlines, but one that addresses a critical need.
The Timberwolves acquired Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks. It’s a move that adds toughness, versatility, and immediate help to a bench unit that’s been missing a key ingredient all season.
Filling the NAW-Sized Hole
Let’s call it what it is: Minnesota never fully replaced Nickeil Alexander-Walker. When he departed last summer, he left behind a sizable void-a long, switchable guard who could defend at a high level and knock down shots. The Wolves have felt that absence every night, especially when the starters sit.
Enter Dosunmu.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard just turned 26 and is putting up 15.0 points and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the field. He defends multiple positions, brings energy, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
He’s not just a plug-and-play option-he’s a potential long-term fit. And because Minnesota acquired his Bird rights in the deal, they’ll have the ability to go over the cap to keep him this summer.
This wasn’t a flashy move. But it was a smart one.
The Wolves didn’t mortgage the future. They didn’t touch the core.
They added a player who can help them win now-and potentially stick around for the next few playoff runs.
Saying Goodbye to Dillingham and Miller
Of course, no trade comes without a cost. And this one stings a bit, particularly when it comes to Rob Dillingham.
Connelly believed in Dillingham enough to trade a 2031 unprotected first-rounder and a future pick swap to move up and grab him at No. 8 in the 2024 draft. The hope was that he could grow into the point guard of the future. But that vision never materialized.
Dillingham struggled to find his footing in Chris Finch’s rotation. He averaged just 3.5 points on 33 percent shooting and hadn’t seen the floor since mid-December.
Confidence seemed to wane with every mistake. And on a team trying to contend, Finch couldn’t afford to give major minutes to a 20-year-old still finding his way.
Miller, a second-round pick from 2023, saw even less action-appearing in just 49 games over three seasons, mostly in garbage time.
Both players now head to Chicago, a rebuilding team where they may get the opportunity to develop without the pressure of a playoff chase.
As for the draft capital, Minnesota sent out four second-round picks:
- 2026: Least favorable of Denver or Golden State
- 2027: Via Cleveland
- 2031: Most favorable of Minnesota or Golden State
- 2032: Most favorable of Phoenix or Houston
That’s a manageable price for a young, proven contributor like Dosunmu.
The Giannis What-If
Let’s rewind to the headline that never happened.
Yes, the Timberwolves explored what it would take to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. And yes, there was real intrigue from both sides-at least initially.
League sources indicated that Antetokounmpo was open to the idea of teaming up with Edwards. That kind of interest doesn’t come around often, especially not for a market like Minnesota.
But the logistics were daunting. The Wolves had no first-rounders to offer outright.
To even get in the conversation, they would’ve needed to flip multiple core players-likely some combination of Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid-just to accumulate enough picks to entice Milwaukee. That’s before even touching the young talent like rookie Joan Beringer.
Ownership was intrigued. The front office debated it.
But ultimately, the Bucks never truly engaged. By Thursday morning, it was clear: Giannis was staying put, and the Wolves weren’t going to gut their roster chasing a long shot.
And truthfully, the locker room felt the weight of those rumors. Players understood that a move for a superstar would mean major changes. That tension was real in Toronto on Wednesday night, when the Wolves pulled out a 128-126 win.
Afterward, Edwards tried to calm the waters.
“Everybody’s mind is racing thinking this is gonna happen or that’s gonna happen,” he said. “I told them, ‘Everybody here is secure and safe. Let’s just play.’”
Turns out, he was right.
Staying the Course-with a Key Addition
The Timberwolves didn’t land a superstar. But they didn’t need one to stay in the hunt.
They’ve still got Edwards leading the charge, flanked by McDaniels, Reid, Randle, and Gobert-who’s making a strong case for his fifth Defensive Player of the Year. They’ve now added Dosunmu, a guy who can steady the second unit and bring some of the defensive edge they’ve been missing.
This team didn’t need a shakeup. It needed reinforcement. And that’s exactly what Connelly delivered.
The West is still a gauntlet. But Minnesota didn’t blink. They stayed patient, stayed smart, and made a move that gives them a better shot at making noise come playoff time.
Now, it’s time to see if that bet pays off.