The Chicago Bulls lost to the Miami Heat 116-113 on Thursday night, but it wasn’t Ayo Dosunmu’s fault. The 6’4 guard was making plays all over the court and showing the Bulls just how much they need him amid a flurry of trade rumors. Dosunmu led the team in scoring, was second in assists, and grabbed seven boards. His energy was infectious, and he once again showed why Chicago should remain his home.
The Bulls have several difficult decisions to make ahead of the trade deadline. The pattern feels all too familiar. Dosunmu is in the final year of his contract. Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Kevin Huerter are also on expiring deals for the middling Bulls. It is time Chicago picks a firm direction and starts chasing it.
Dosunmu is from Chicago and doesn’t want to go anywhere (subscription required). He is having the best year of his career, and the Bulls will need to pay him in the offseason. Ayo is in his prime and keeps showing his franchise why he should stick around.
Ayo Dosunmu makes his case to remain on the Bulls amid trade rumors
Dosunmu finished Thursday’s game with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one 3-pointer made in 31 minutes of action coming off the bench. He sank eight of his 16 field goal attempts and was a perfect six of six from the free throw line. It was an impressive performance from a player who keeps getting better.
Jake Fischer reported that Dosunmu is comfortable in a complementary role (subscription required) and is aligned with the coaching staff. It showed on Thursday night. He came in off the bench and was doing a bit of everything. The Bulls were without Josh Giddey and Tre Jones, so they need Dosunmu to play on the ball more. He delivered an impressive performance, despite committing four turnovers.
The 6’4 guard will never be a star, but he is a quality role player who helps his team win. He averages 14.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game for the season. Dosunmu is shooting over 51 percent from the field and north of 44 percent on his threes. He has been outstanding. Bulls fans know that even if those outside of Chicago don’t recognize.
Dosunmu will get a hefty raise from his $7.5 million salary in the offseason. He has already produced a career-high 0.7 value over replacement player (VORP) and rates well above league average by win shares per 48 minutes. Every team is looking for versatile wing capable of guarding multiple positions and knocking down open shots. Dosunmu is the perfect role player.
The Chicago Bulls should be looking to keep the Windy City native long-term. If they can’t agree on an extension, the franchise has no choice but to move on. Ayo Dosunmu wants to stay with the Bulls. He just had one of his best games of the season, and the franchise knows what they are getting.
Sadly, this is shaping up to be another head-scratcher by Chicago. Fans can only hope that Thursday’s game swayed the front office. It is unlikely, but nothing would shock Bulls supporters at this stage.