Bulls Expected to Keep Ayo Dosunmu as Trade Talk Cools
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The Chicago Bulls are now expected to retain guard Ayo Dosunmu for the 2025-26 season after summer trade discussions reportedly lost momentum, according to multiple league sources.
Team insiders said Chicago engaged in “substantive” negotiations with an unnamed Western Conference playoff club earlier in the offseason, but the sides failed to reach an agreement. NBC Sports Chicago reporter KC Johnson said on a recent Chicago Sports Network segment that chatter around a potential deal has “largely died down” as of late July, leading the organization to anticipate Dosunmu’s return.
Career-Best Numbers Before Injury
The 25-year-old Chicago native appeared in 46 games last season, starting 26. He set career highs with 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 30.3 minutes per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range.
Dosunmu’s year ended prematurely after a dislocated left shoulder suffered on Feb. 20 against the New York Knicks. He missed three games, tried to play on Feb. 28 versus the Toronto Raptors, and was then shut down for the final 22 contests. Surgery followed shortly afterward.
Final Year of Current Contract
The former second-round pick enters the last season of a three-year, $21 million contract. He earned $7 million in 2024-25 and is set to make $7.51 million in 2025-26.
Despite earlier rumors, Dosunmu said he remains focused on his long-term future in his hometown. “I don’t think God makes mistakes,” he told the Chicago Tribune. “The position I’m in, I’m here for a reason. I want to always embrace each and every bit of that.”
Chicago selected Dosunmu 38th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Barring renewed trade interest, he is on track to begin his fifth professional season in a Bulls uniform.
Source: Basketball Insiders
