Nuggets target Ayo Dosunmu to enhance guard depth and bolster championship hopes
The Denver Nuggets are coming off a solid offseason, yet their pursuit of roster improvement shows no signs of slowing down. With the addition of Bruce Brown to their ranks, the team’s depth chart has shifted, making Peyton Watson a potential trade chip in their ongoing quest to strengthen their guard rotation.
Ayo Dosunmu as a Trade Target
One name that has emerged as a viable target is Ayo Dosunmu, a promising former second-round pick who has begun to carve out a niche in the NBA. According to insights from a prominent analyst, Dosunmu may not fit the mold of a traditional floor general, but his growth in playmaking—particularly when navigating ball screens—has caught the attention of scouts and executives alike.
“Dosunmu is not a conventional floor general, but he’s shown glimmers of improved playmaking coming around ball screens, and he knows how to facilitate when attacking downhill,” the analyst noted. Highlighting his impressive statistics, it was pointed out that only Payton Pritchard and Tyrese Haliburton matched Dosunmu’s remarkable scoring efficiency of 57.1 percent and assist rate of 12.4 on drives, with both players having executed at least 371 of those drives last season.
Defensive Versatility and Fit with Denver
Dosunmu’s ability to defend multiple positions adds another layer of appeal for the Nuggets. His defensive skills would allow for a seamless pairing alongside Jamal Murray, enhancing the team’s perimeter defense while providing additional scoring options.
The proposed trade, as outlined, would see the Nuggets acquiring both Ayo Dosunmu and Justin Champagnie from the Chicago Bulls. In return, Chicago would receive Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, a second-round pick, and a first-round pick, while the Washington Wizards would be involved by taking on a second-round pick from Denver.
The Impact of Russell Westbrook’s Future
Adding to the intrigue of this potential trade is the uncertain future of Russell Westbrook in Denver. If Westbrook departs, the Nuggets could find themselves in even better shape by bringing in Dosunmu, who has made an immediate impact since entering the league. Over his four-year career, Dosunmu has averaged 10.2 points per game with an impressive 50% shooting percentage from the field, all while being recognized as a capable defender.
As the Nuggets look ahead to the possibility of facing strong competitors like the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, acquiring a player like Dosunmu could prove invaluable. His defensive prowess would be essential in containing elite scorers such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making him a strategic addition to Denver’s championship aspirations.
