Could Ayo Dosunmu leave the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Ayo Dosunmu at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, dealing him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
The move was made to help increase the bench scoring and give the Timberwolves an added dimension, as they had missed throughout the season after losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the offseason.
The move paid off as Ayo stepped in and averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 52% from the field and 41% from three. He was even better in the playoffs, averaging 15.6, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three.
Back To Chicago?
According to NBA veteran Kendall Gill, he says that Ayo is open to returning to Chicago.
“I know Ayo, from my conversations with him this summer, would be open to [returning to Chicago]," he said.
The Bulls drafted Ayo in the second round in 2021. He spent four and a half years on the team before he was dealt to the Timberwolves. He grew each year on the team, increasing his scoring output and finding more consistency to be their top player off the bench in his final two seasons with the team.
Ayo is an unrestricted free agent who made $7.5 million this past season. He is expected to find an offer worth around $15 million a season. The Timberwolves have his Bird Rights, and can offer him a three-year deal worth $52 million.
Can Minnesota Keep Him?
He will be an expensive piece that could lead to other moves, including a trade of Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, or Rudy Gobert. Paying Ayo $15 million or more puts them right at the second apron, and that's without filling out the rest of the roster.
The Chicago Bulls have more outright space to sign Dosunmu, and could potentially offer him a bigger role as well.
The Bulls are expected to take Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick, and have Josh Giddey under a long-term contract, and are high on Matas Buzelis, but otherwise are looking for the right pieces to put on the roster.
While there might be more opportunities in Chicago, the Timberwolves will be a more competitive squad, even in the Western Conference. Minnesota has been to the Western Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons, and went six games with the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.
The Bulls have not made the playoffs since 2022 and have not won a series since 2015.
It's just a matter of priority for Ayo.
