The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just plug a hole when they traded for Ayo Dosunmu - they may have found a key piece to elevate their roster in a meaningful way. Giving up Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks might’ve raised some eyebrows at first glance, especially for a player on an expiring deal. But two games in, Dosunmu is already proving why the Wolves were willing to pay that price.
Through his first pair of games in a Timberwolves uniform, Dosunmu is averaging 27.5 minutes, 16 points, 2 assists, 2 combined steals and blocks (or “stocks”), and a rebound per game. His shooting splits?
A scorching 54.2% from the field, 45.5% from deep, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. In short: he’s been efficient, versatile, and impactful.
His performance in Monday’s 138-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks was a clear showcase of what he brings to the table. Dosunmu dropped 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, added a pair of assists, and tallied two stocks.
More importantly, he looked comfortable - assertive on offense, locked in on defense, and fully integrated into the Wolves’ system. Whether it was his downhill drives, timely 3-point shooting, or active hands on the perimeter, Dosunmu gave Minnesota a boost in all the right areas.
What stands out most about Dosunmu’s game is how seamlessly it fits the Timberwolves’ needs. The loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker earlier this season left a noticeable gap in backcourt depth and perimeter defense. Dosunmu doesn’t just fill that void - he might be an upgrade.
One area where he’s already making a major difference? Transition offense.
It wasn’t the headline-grabbing skill when the trade went down, but it’s quickly becoming one of his most valuable traits. Against Atlanta, 10 of his 21 points came in transition - and he’s averaging 5.3 fast-break points per game since joining the team.
That’s not just a bonus; it’s a game-changer for a Wolves squad that’s been working to increase its pace.
Minnesota currently ranks 13th in transition frequency and 10th in transition points, and Dosunmu’s presence is pushing those numbers in the right direction. His blend of size, speed, and strength makes him a force in the open court, and it’s clear the Wolves are leaning into that by playing faster when he’s on the floor.
But Dosunmu’s impact isn’t limited to runouts and fast breaks. His ability to create and finish in the halfcourt adds another layer to the Timberwolves’ offense.
Per Basketball Index, he ranks in the 96th percentile for rim shot creation - a stat that speaks to his ability to get downhill and generate high-quality looks. That’s something the Wolves haven’t consistently had from their backcourt in recent years.
And then there’s the shooting. Coming into Minnesota, Dosunmu was hitting 45.1% from beyond the arc - an impressive clip, but one that understandably came with questions about sustainability.
So far, he’s answered those doubts by continuing to shoot 45.5% from deep in his new uniform. That kind of floor spacing is invaluable, especially alongside high-usage stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
With defenses focused on those two, Dosunmu’s ability to knock down open looks becomes a crucial part of the Wolves’ offensive balance.
Defensively, he’s already making life easier for Jaden McDaniels by taking on tough perimeter assignments. Opponents are shooting just 41.3% from the field when guarded by Dosunmu - a testament to his footwork, anticipation, and physicality.
And now that he’s playing behind Rudy Gobert, he has the freedom to take more risks on the perimeter, knowing there’s elite rim protection behind him. That’s shown up in the numbers, with his stocks per game increasing by nearly one since the trade.
What Minnesota has in Dosunmu is a true Swiss Army knife - a player who can handle the ball, shoot, defend, and play with pace. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, his versatility gives head coach Chris Finch more lineup flexibility and matchup options.
It’s early, but the signs are clear: Ayo Dosunmu is more than just a rental. He’s a player who fits the Wolves’ identity and addresses key needs on both ends of the floor. If this level of play continues, the trade could end up being one of the savviest moves of the season - a calculated gamble that’s already paying off.