The Chicago Bulls have been at the center of NBA trade rumors throughout the 2025 offseason, with their unresolved situation involving restricted free agent Josh Giddey grabbing headlines. However, another intriguing storyline has emerged from the Windy City, as the Bulls appear to be considering a blockbuster move involving their young guard, Ayo Dosunmu. With a crowded backcourt and a shifting roster, Chicago’s front office might be ready to shake up the market by sending Dosunmu to a premier destination, potentially reshaping the team’s future.
Ayo Dosunmu: A Rising Star on the Move?
Ayo Dosunmu, the 24-year-old guard, has been a bright spot for the Bulls since being drafted in 2021. Over the past two seasons, Dosunmu has averaged 12.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with impressive shooting splits of 49.7% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range, and 79.9% from the free-throw line. His versatility, work ethic, and ability to contribute on both ends of the court have made him a valuable asset. However, with just one year left on his contract and an uncertain long-term role in Chicago, the Bulls are reportedly open to trading him if the right deal comes along.
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Early in the offseason, reports surfaced that the Bulls were shopping Dosunmu, even engaging in discussions with a Western Conference playoff team. While those talks fell through, as noted by Bulls insider K.C. Johnson in late July, the possibility of a trade remains alive. With Chicago’s backcourt already featuring talents like Coby White and the potential re-signing of Josh Giddey, Dosunmu’s future with the team is uncertain. The Bulls’ front office could be looking to capitalize on his value now, before he hits free agency next summer.
The Proposed Trade: A Blockbuster Deal with Denver
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale recently proposed a trade that could send shockwaves through the NBA, with Dosunmu heading to the Denver Nuggets in a multi-team deal. The proposed trade breaks down as follows:
Denver Nuggets Receive: Ayo Dosunmu, Justin Champagnie
Chicago Bulls Receive: Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, 2026 second-round pick (least favorable of DAL, OKC, and PHI, via WSH), 2028 first-round swap (top-10 protection, via DEN)
Washington Wizards Receive: 2032 second-round pick (via DEN)
For the Bulls, this deal offers an intriguing mix of young talent and future draft capital. Let’s break down what Chicago would gain.
Peyton Watson: A Defensive Prodigy with Upside
At just 22 years old, Peyton Watson is the centerpiece of this trade for Chicago. A versatile wing with elite defensive potential, Watson has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Nuggets. His length, athleticism, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a perfect fit for a Bulls team looking to build a younger, more dynamic roster. However, Watson is approaching a contract extension, and Denver’s tight salary cap situation may prevent them from offering him the deal he deserves. For Chicago, acquiring Watson would mean taking a calculated risk on a high-upside player who could blossom into a two-way star with the right development.
Zeke Nnaji: A Young Big with Room to Grow
Zeke Nnaji, a 24-year-old big man, is another piece in this deal. While Nnaji has yet to fully live up to the expectations set for him as a first-round pick in 2020, he has shown glimpses of being a productive frontcourt player. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim could make him a valuable addition to a Bulls team in need of frontcourt depth. In Chicago, Nnaji would have more opportunities to develop and make mistakes, unlike in Denver, where he’s been stuck behind established stars like Nikola Jokić.
Draft Picks: Building for the Future
The inclusion of a 2026 second-round pick and a 2028 first-round swap (with top-10 protection) adds flexibility to Chicago’s future. While the second-round pick provides a low-risk opportunity to add young talent, the first-round swap could prove valuable if Denver’s roster takes a downturn in the coming years. These assets give the Bulls options to either draft new talent or use the picks as trade chips in future deals.
Why the Bulls Would Consider This Move
The Bulls’ decision to trade Dosunmu would not come lightly, as he’s a fan favorite and a productive player. However, with a crowded backcourt and Giddey’s potential re-signing, Chicago may not have the minutes or the long-term cap space to keep Dosunmu. Trading him now allows the Bulls to maximize his value before he hits free agency, where he could command a significant contract.
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The return in this proposed deal aligns with Chicago’s apparent goal of getting younger and more flexible. Watson’s defensive prowess and Nnaji’s potential as a stretch big would complement the Bulls’ core, while the draft picks provide insurance for the future. Additionally, moving Dosunmu could clear the way for younger guards like Dalen Terry to take on bigger roles, further accelerating Chicago’s rebuild.
Why Denver Wants Dosunmu
For the Nuggets, acquiring Dosunmu would add a reliable, versatile guard to their rotation. Denver has been searching for ways to bolster their backcourt depth, and Dosunmu’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him an ideal fit alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Justin Champagnie, a young forward with two-way potential, would be a low-risk addition for the Nuggets, offering depth and upside.
The Nuggets’ financial constraints make this trade appealing, as they may not be able to afford Watson’s upcoming extension. By swapping Watson and Nnaji for Dosunmu, Denver addresses a key need while maintaining flexibility for future moves.
The Bigger Picture: A Market-Shaking Move
If the Bulls pull the trigger on this trade, it could have ripple effects across the NBA. Dosunmu’s departure would signal that Chicago is fully committed to a youth movement, prioritizing long-term potential over immediate production. For Denver, adding a player like Dosunmu could solidify their status as a championship contender, especially if he continues to develop into a reliable two-way guard.
The trade would also highlight the Bulls’ willingness to take bold steps in reshaping their roster. After years of middling results in the Eastern Conference, Chicago’s front office appears ready to make tough decisions to build a sustainable contender. Moving Dosunmu, a homegrown talent, would be a bombshell move, but one that could pay dividends if Watson and Nnaji reach their potential.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads, and Ayo Dosunmu’s future could be the key to unlocking their next chapter. While trading him would be a tough pill to swallow for fans, the proposed deal with Denver offers a compelling mix of young talent and draft assets that could accelerate Chicago’s rebuild. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Bulls’ front office to see if they’re ready to shake up the market with this blockbuster move.