Chicago Bulls eye bold trade: weighing the future of Ayo Dosunmu
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads, contemplating a potential trade that could reshape their roster and future. Recently, an intriguing multi-team trade proposal surfaced, suggesting the Bulls might part with fan-favorite Ayo Dosunmu. But the question remains: is the potential return worth the risk?
Stagnation in the Windy City
For a city that boasts the third-largest market in the nation, Chicago’s basketball narrative has been surprisingly lackluster since the departure of Jimmy Butler, a future Hall of Famer, during his prime. Since that pivotal moment, the Bulls have made just a single playoff appearance over the last eight seasons, a stark contrast to the franchise’s storied past.
Under the leadership of team president Arturas Karnisovas and head coach Billy Donovan, the Bulls have settled into a familiar pattern. They have become perennial play-in tournament contenders, consistently finishing between the 7th and 10th seeds in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, this trend culminated in back-to-back play-in defeats at the hands of Butler’s Miami Heat in 2023 and 2024.
The Rise of Ayo Dosunmu
Amidst the struggles, one bright spot has emerged in the form of Ayo Dosunmu. The Chicago native and University of Illinois product has garnered significant attention and affection from Bulls fans. Standing at 6-foot-5, Dosunmu has showcased a blend of skill and tenacity that resonates with the team’s loyal supporters.
In a recent proposal by NBA expert Dan Favale, a three-team trade involving the Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards has been floated. This deal would send Dosunmu to a contender, while the Bulls would receive valuable draft assets to help shape their future.
Proposed Trade Breakdown
In the suggested trade, the Bulls would receive:
Zeke Nnaji (6-foot-9 forward from Arizona)
Peyton Watson (athletic guard from UCLA)
2026 second-round pick (the least favorable of Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Philadelphia, via Washington)
2028 first-round swap (top-10 protected, via Denver)
Meanwhile, the Nuggets would gain Dosunmu and Justin Champagnie, while the Wizards would acquire a 2032 second-round pick from Denver.
Evaluating the Prospects
Zeke Nnaji, who has struggled to find his footing on a championship-contending team, presents a mixed bag. With three years and $23.2 million remaining on his contract, his acquisition might raise eyebrows. However, Favale argues that the financial burden is manageable, especially considering Chicago’s long-term outlook. Nnaji represents just 5.3% of the salary cap, leaving room for potential rotation minutes, particularly as the Bulls assess the futures of Zach Collins and Nikola Vucevic.
On the other hand, Peyton Watson has generated more excitement. In his third season with Denver, the 22-year-old guard averaged 8.1 points per game, demonstrating promising shooting splits and contributing across various statistical categories. Favale notes that taking a chance on Watson could yield significant rewards, particularly as the Bulls look to solidify their perimeter defense and enhance their offensive capabilities.
Future Considerations
The landscape in Chicago seems to indicate that Dosunmu may be on borrowed time. With the Bulls reportedly interested in retaining restricted free agent Josh Giddey and potentially keeping starting shooting guard Coby White through 2026, the future of Dosunmu appears uncertain.
As the Bulls navigate these pivotal decisions, the trade discussions surrounding Ayo Dosunmu reflect a broader strategy to build a more competitive and sustainable team. The franchise stands at a critical juncture, weighing the immediate impacts against the long-term implications of such a bold move.
