Do the Minnesota Timberwolves need to keep Ayo Dosunmu?
The Minnesota Timberwolves added more offensive punch to their game at the 2025 NBA trade deadline, acquiring Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls.
The Timberwolves gave up Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks to get the deal done.
Looking to make another deep playoff run, the Timberwolves felt they needed to improve their depth and add extra offense off the bench. The deal worked out for them as Ayo became a key piece for the rest of the regular season, averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 52% from the field ad 41% from three.
He was even bigger in the playoffs, especially in the first round against the Denver Nuggets, averaging 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 50% from the field and 42% from three.
Keeping Ayo
Ayo is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but there is reportedly mutual interest in the two sides getting a deal done.
Jake Fischer wrote in the Stein Line newsletter, “Minnesota's Ayo Dosunmu is yet another [marquee free agent guard] and league sources say that the Timberwolves are already at work to try to hash out a new deal that keeps their influential midseason acquisition in the Twin Cities.”
Dosunmu made $7.5 million last season, but is expected to get a raise going into next season.
It's predicted that he could command a three-year deal worth around $50 million, putting him at roughly $16 million per season.
That would put the Timberwolves right at the second apron line unless they make other moves in the offseason. The trio of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle are making a combined $118.7 million while Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels make $49.5 million combined. McDaniels is eligible for an extension this offseason, and Minnesota likely wants to keep him long-term.
Should Minnesota Do It?
With Donte DiVincenzo expected to miss the majority of the 2026-27 season after suffering an Achilles tear in the first round of the playoffs, Minnesota's depth will be taking a major hit.
Ayo slotted into the starting lineup with DiVincenzo out, and while he and the rest of the team struggled against the Spurs, he was great against the Denver Nuggets in the first round, averaging 21.8 points on 60% shooting and 54% from three.
He won't turn 27 until January, putting him on the same timeline as Edwards, McDaniels, and Reid, the three long-term pieces for Minnesota. The team is short on cap space, but they can potentially move the contracts of DiVincenzo, Randle, and Gobert to give themselves some financial flexibility.
As of right now, signing Dosunmu is a move the Timberwolves have to make.
