The Minnesota Timberwolves have completed a trade to acquire Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls. This transaction marks a significant shift in both teams’ strategies ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline.
Timberwolves Acquire Ayo Dosunmu
Sources confirm that the Timberwolves’ deal includes a four-player exchange with the Bulls. Also part of the trade, Julian Phillips joins Minnesota, while Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round draft picks head to Chicago.
Details of the Trade
- Timberwolves Receive: Ayo Dosunmu, Julian Phillips
- Bulls Receive: Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, four second-round draft picks
Ayo Dosunmu, aged 26, is currently having a standout season. He is averaging 15.0 points per game, boasts a shooting percentage of 51%, and excels with a 45% success rate from three-point range, ranking him eighth in the league.
Impact on Both Teams
The Bulls, currently 24-27 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, are undertaking a comprehensive roster overhaul. This trade follows the earlier departures of key players, including Coby White and Nikola Vucevic. Chicago has been very active in the trade market, acquiring several guards this week, such as Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons.
Notably, the Bulls have also signed former slam dunk champion Mac McClung to a two-way contract. The franchise aims to bolster its roster further, especially in the frontcourt, following the acquisition of forward Guerschon Yabusele from the Knicks.
Looking Ahead
With Dosunmu in the final year of a three-year, $21 million contract, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. This trade offers the Timberwolves an opportunity to evaluate Dosunmu’s fit within their system before making long-term decisions.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had limited playing time with Minnesota. Averaging only 10 minutes per game, his performance this season yielded 3.5 points on 33% shooting.
This trade reflects a pivotal moment for both the Timberwolves and Bulls, highlighting their contrasting objectives as the trade deadline approaches.
