The Chicago Bulls' decision-making when handing out contracts is severely underrated. Critics will repeatedly condemn the organization for handing Patrick Williams a five-year, $90 million pact as well as the decision to re-sign Zach LaVine to a five-year, $215 million max contract in 2022. But besides Nikola Vucevic's $60 million contract extension in 2023, there aren't many recent signings to criticize.
Since 2020, the Bulls have notably signed Alex Caruso to a four-year, $37 million deal; Andre Drummond and Derrick Jones Jr. to two-year, $6.6 million contracts; Coby White to a three-year, $36 million pact; and Ayo Dosunmu to a three-year, $21 million contract.
While over half of the aforementioned players have gotten away, it's a testament to the front office's ability to identify underrated talent at below-market rates. It's a shame Artūras Karnišovas hasn't been as active in the free agent and trade markets, arguably the vice president of basketball operations' biggest flaw to date.
Fortunately, Karnišovas has made a series of solid moves over the past year or so, including drafting Matas Buzelis with the 11th overall pick, acquiring then-21-year-old Josh Giddey in exchange for defensive ace Caruso (who's far more valuable in Oklahoma City than Chicago), and finally coming to terms with LaVine's ill-advised fit on an up-and-coming team.
Chicago's future hangs in the balance ahead of a crucial offseason
Now, following a string of well-adept moves, Karnišovas is entering a pivotal offseason, not just for the Bulls, but for the entire Eastern Conference. The historically weaker conference is in a state of disarray. The Boston Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum and are sure to make changes with an outrageously expensive roster on the horizon.
Furthermore, the 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers were torched in the Eastern Conference Semifinals; the Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for Giannis Antetokounmpo's impending trade request; and the bottom third of the conference will continue to be stuck in an endless rut after failing to secure a top-two pick in the NBA Draft.
The time is now for the Bulls. It's not difficult to envision 45 wins securing a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Armed with the 12th overall pick in next month's draft and a $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception, Chicago can add some serious win-now pieces.
Yet, the draft and free agency aren't the only way to fortify a team's roster. The trade market has been especially fruitful in recent years. For what it's worth, 11 of the 20 starters in the 2025 NBA Conference Finals were acquired via trade.
Chicago isn't necessarily flush with sought-after talent, but one of the more desirable Bulls is ostensibly Dosunmu. While the Bulls may not want to trade the do-it-all guard, now is an opportune time to gauge the market for the 25-year-old guard.
Ayo Dosunmu should entice numerous teams across the NBA
Dosunmu is one of the league's most versatile players, capable of starting or coming off the bench and manning up to three positions. Although Dosunmu's 2024-25 season ended prematurely, he's proven to be extremely durable and has only undergone surgery once in his lifetime—this past March, allowing for him to return to the hardwood by the beginning of next season.
Perhaps what makes Dosunmu so valuable is his inexpensive, expiring contract. The Illinois product is owed merely $7.5 million next season before entering unrestricted free agency in 2026. Although he's soon due for a raise, the Bulls, or whatever team acquires Dosunmu, will have his bird rights. Therefore, his next contract is not cause for concern—unless he signs with a rival team in free agency.
Dosunmu's $7.5 million salary is easily workable even for the most salary-cap-depleted squads. And, with the Bulls being able to take back more salary than they'd be shelling out in any transaction, the possibilities teeter on limitless.
For instance, the Bulls could send Dosunmu to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Zeke Nnaji ($8.8 million) and future draft capital. But it doesn't stop there. A Dosunmu for Isaac Okoro of the Cavaliers swap works as a replacement for soon-to-be free agent Ty Jerome. Acquiring Okoro and the two years and $23 million left on his contract would surely help Cleveland, which will be paying five players $20 million or more next season.
There are so many avenues to trading Dosunmu, and his versatility and inexpensive contract only increase the plausible routes. At this point, Dosunmu is more of an afterthought on the trade market. He's coming off an injury and is equally as valuable to the rebuilding Bulls. Nevertheless, Chicago will soon be committing gobs of money to their backcourt, rendering Dosunmu as expendable.