The Chicago Bulls entered the 2025 offseason under intense scrutiny, with fans and analysts alike demanding a roster overhaul after three straight Play-In Tournament heartbreaks. Expectations were sky-high for blockbuster moves, but the front office delivered only one notable transaction: shipping Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for wing defender Isaac Okoro. The summer buzz largely revolved around restricted free agent Josh Giddey’s future, culminating in a lucrative extension that locked him in as a cornerstone. Whispers of shopping Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams swirled, but the Bulls’ most tantalizing near-miss involved a homegrown gem—Ayo Dosunmu.
Bulls Nearly Traded Away Dosunmu
At just 25 years old, Ayo Dosunmu has transformed from a promising second-round pick into one of the Bulls’ most reliable performers. Since the 2023-24 season, the former Illinois star has posted impressive numbers: 12.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game across 29.6 minutes of action. His efficiency stands out—49.7% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc, and a rock-solid 79.9% at the free-throw line. Dosunmu’s elite perimeter defense has made him Chicago’s backcourt anchor, while his offensive growth—slashing drives, spot-up shooting, and playmaking—has elevated the entire unit.
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Yet, despite his seamless fit, the Bulls pushed hard to move him this summer. On Stacey King’s Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson dropped a bombshell: “I know for a fact that the Bulls were involved in some pretty advanced trade talks with Ayo [Dosunmu] this past offseason that they couldn’t finalize.” Johnson emphasized the organization’s affection for Dosunmu and backcourt mate Coby White, noting, “They love them. They fit exactly what they’re trying to do.” But financial realities loom large. With Dosunmu and White both approaching free agency in 2026, alongside Giddey’s fresh $100 million deal, the Bulls are staring down a salary crunch that could force tough choices.
Johnson’s report aligns with earlier offseason chatter. Reports surfaced of substantive discussions with a Western Conference playoff contender, though no common ground was found. By August, the noise had quieted, with Johnson confirming Dosunmu was expected to return for training camp. Still, as the 2025-26 season nears, the guard’s name lingers in trade hypotheticals, including mock deals swapping him for Memphis’ Brandon Clarke or Denver’s Zeke Nnaji.
Is This a Mistake?
Trading Dosunmu now could prove disastrous for a Bulls team desperate for continuity. He’s not just a role player; he’s the glue that elevates Chicago’s defense and spacing. Losing him prematurely—especially after failing to land a satisfactory return—would echo past missteps, like letting young talent walk without compensation. Johnson himself warned that savvy front offices “get in front of these situations and get value in return,” projecting neither Dosunmu nor White on the 2026-27 roster due to cap constraints. But forcing a deal for the sake of it risks alienating a fan-favorite who embodies the Bulls’ gritty identity.
The dilemma boils down to White vs. Dosunmu. On talent alone, White edges out as the priority—his scoring punch (career-high 19.1 points last season) commands a steeper extension and broader trade appeal. Dosunmu, coming off shoulder surgery that sidelined him late last year, might fetch less on the market (12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists in 2024-25). Prioritizing White makes sense, but Dosunmu’s defensive prowess and chemistry with Giddey could make him the tougher cut. Mock trades suggest middling hauls—a second-round pick and a frontcourt prospect at best—hardly the haul needed to retool around LaVine, Giddey, and Okoro.
The Path Forward
Ideally, the Bulls thread the needle: extend White, retain Dosunmu on a team-friendly deal, and flip expiring contracts like Vucevic for draft capital. Giddey’s arrival adds playmaking depth, potentially allowing a three-guard rotation that maximizes everyone’s strengths. But realism tempers optimism—eight roster spots open in 2026 signals a rebuild on the horizon.
Dosunmu deserves a shot to prove his worth in Year 4. After all, he’s the type of two-way guard contenders covet, and shipping him off cheap would stunt Chicago’s progress. The Bulls can’t afford to lose him amid these reports—not when stability is their scarcest resource. As training camp beckons, Artūras Karnišovas must weigh sentiment against salary sheets. For now, Dosunmu stays put, but the trade whispers serve as a stark reminder: in the NBA’s cutthroat landscape, even standouts aren’t safe.