With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Chicago Bulls’ most appealing trade piece isn’t a former All-Star or a high-usage scorer. According to ESPN, league executives unanimously pointed to Ayo Dosunmu as the Bulls’ most attractive asset—a development that puts Chicago in an interesting position ahead of February 5.
The Bulls’ buy-or-sell dilemma
The Bulls have been labeled a team with endless possibilities ahead of the trade deadline. There’s no clear consensus on whether Chicago will buy, sell, or stand pat, though there’s a compelling case for two of those paths.
Buying has rarely been part of the equation for Chicago, at least until recently. There were rumors connecting the Bulls to stars like Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Zion Williamson, but those have since fizzled out. While landing any of those players would clearly signal a buyer’s approach, that scenario no longer feels realistic.
Nonetheless, it’s been reported that Chicago could look to buy, largely due to its recent success. The Bulls haven’t been world-beaters by any means, but they’re 6–4 over their last 10 games, including a four-game win streak. As a result, Chicago sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, just two games behind the sixth-place Philadelphia 76ers.
Selling, on the other hand, has always seemed like the more logical route. The Bulls’ roster features seven expiring contracts, meaning this team could look vastly different in just half a year. The pressing question since the offseason has been simple: why not move those expiring deals for assets before they reach unrestricted free agency?
Of course, not all of those impending contracts are created equal. Some may not be worth much on the trade market. Still, players like Dosunmu, Coby White, and Nikola Vučević should command legitimate interest, and again, according to ESPN, Dosunmu in particular.
Dosunmu stands out among Chicago’s expiring deals
That said, Dosunmu’s emergence as the Bulls’ most attractive asset could reshape everything about Chicago’s deadline plans, whether they choose to buy or sell.
While Dosunmu isn’t top-three on the Bulls in any major counting stat, he may be the most well-rounded player on the roster. More importantly, he’s owed just $7.5 million this season, making him easily attainable for nearly any team. His teammate, White, arguably the better overall player, is also on a reasonable $12.8 million deal, but is reportedly seeking a lucrative extension in the $30 million range, a price point that could deter several suitors.
Dosunmu’s next contract, meanwhile, remains an unknown. That said, a deal in the range of Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s, or perhaps slightly more, feels plausible. A four-year, $80 million contract seems far more realistic and easier to stomach than something approaching a four-year, $120 million pact.
Dosunmu’s all-around value and trade appeal
Returning to why he’s the Bulls’ most well-rounded player, Dosunmu is averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He’s shooting efficiently, converting 51.2 percent of his field goals, 45.3 percent of his threes, and 85.1 percent of his free throws, ranking 24th among all qualified players in true shooting percentage.
Defensively, Dosunmu holds opponents to a 4.8 percentage point decrease in shooting when he’s the defender. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he’s big enough to guard wings but agile enough to challenge point guards. His versatility is elite, and his ability to navigate screens as a point-of-attack defender shouldn’t be overlooked.
Dosunmu’s combination of youth, versatility, and affordability makes him the Bulls’ most valuable trade chip. With unrestricted free agency looming, he’s a rare asset that could help contenders immediately—and one the Bulls can’t afford to undervalue.