As the Chicago Bulls gear up for a pivotal 2025 NBA offseason, one name stands out not for his star power, but for his quiet value: Ayo Dosunmu. Dubbed the Bulls’ most tradeable asset by Austin McGee, this versatile guard is a hidden gem hiding in plain sight. With a cost-effective contract, positional flexibility, and a knack for stepping up when it counts, Dosunmu could be the key to unlocking Chicago’s roster transformation—or a coveted piece for contending teams. As the Eastern Conference faces upheaval, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially on the move and the Boston Celtics rethinking their roster, could Dosunmu’s trade value spark a game-changing move for the Bulls? Let’s dive into why this under-the-radar player could reshape Chicago’s future and the NBA landscape.

The Bulls’ Savvy Contract Strategy

The Chicago Bulls have faced their share of criticism for big-money deals, like Zach LaVine’s $215 million max contract in 2022 or Patrick Williams’ $90 million pact. Yet, as Austin McGee points out, their front office, led by Artūras Karnišovas, deserves credit for securing undervalued talent at bargain rates. Since 2020, Chicago has inked deals like Alex Caruso’s four-year, $37 million contract, Andre Drummond and Derrick Jones Jr.’s two-year, $6.6 million deals, Coby White’s three-year, $36 million pact, and Ayo Dosunmu’s three-year, $21 million contract. These moves showcase Karnišovas’ ability to identify talent without breaking the bank—a skill that’s kept the Bulls competitive despite limited activity in free agency and trades.

Dosunmu, in particular, stands out as a masterstroke. His $7.5 million salary for the 2025-26 season, the final year of his contract, is a steal for a player of his versatility. Capable of starting or coming off the bench and guarding multiple positions, Dosunmu offers flexibility that’s rare in today’s NBA. His durability—having undergone only one surgery in his career (March 2025, with a full recovery expected by next season)—adds to his appeal. With his contract expiring in 2026, the Bulls (or any team that acquires him) hold his Bird rights, giving them flexibility to re-sign him without cap concerns. This combination of affordability and skill makes Dosunmu a prime trade chip.

Why Dosunmu Is a Trade Market Darling

At 25, Dosunmu is the kind of player every NBA team covets: young, versatile, and cost-effective. His ability to play up to three positions—point guard, shooting guard, and small forward—makes him a plug-and-play option for contending teams, rebuilding squads, or anyone in between. Despite a premature end to his 2024-25 season due to injury, Dosunmu’s track record of durability and his ability to contribute on both ends of the court make him a low-risk, high-reward asset. His $7.5 million salary fits easily into even the tightest salary cap situations, and the Bulls’ ability to take back more salary in a trade opens up a world of possibilities.

For example, McGee suggests a potential trade with the Denver Nuggets, where Dosunmu could be swapped for Zeke Nnaji ($8.8 million) and future draft capital. Another scenario involves sending Dosunmu to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro, a defensive-minded guard with two years and $23 million left on his deal. Such a move could help Cleveland manage their cap, with five players set to earn $20 million or more next season. These trade scenarios highlight Dosunmu’s versatility—not just on the court, but as a trade asset that can fit into various team-building strategies. As McGee notes, “There are so many avenues to trading Dosunmu,” and his expiring contract only amplifies his marketability.

A Pivotal Offseason for Chicago

The Bulls are entering a critical juncture in the 2025 offseason, with the Eastern Conference in flux. The Boston Celtics, without Jayson Tatum, face roster changes due to their expensive lineup. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite a 64-win season, faltered in the playoffs, and the Milwaukee Bucks are bracing for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential trade request. With the bottom of the conference stuck in mediocrity, Chicago has a golden opportunity to climb the standings. McGee predicts that 45 wins could secure a top-four seed—a realistic goal for a team with the 12th overall draft pick and a $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception to spend.

However, the Bulls’ backcourt is crowded, with significant financial commitments to Zach LaVine and Coby White. Dosunmu, while a fan favorite, risks becoming expendable as Chicago prioritizes its core. Recent moves, like drafting Matas Buzelis and trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, show Karnišovas’ willingness to take risks. Trading Dosunmu could bring in draft picks, a young prospect, or a veteran to complement the Bulls’ up-and-coming roster. While losing a homegrown talent like Dosunmu would sting, his trade value could be the key to unlocking a transformative deal.

The Emotional and Strategic Dilemma

For Bulls fans, the idea of trading Dosunmu is bittersweet. A Chicago native and University of Illinois product, he embodies the city’s grit and heart. His ability to guard multiple positions, run the offense, and contribute in clutch moments has endeared him to the fanbase. Yet, the NBA is a business, and Dosunmu’s expiring contract makes him a prime candidate for a trade. As McGee notes, he’s “more of an afterthought on the trade market,” overshadowed by bigger names like LaVine or Giddey. But that’s exactly what makes him so valuable: teams may undervalue him, allowing the Bulls to secure a significant return.

Social media buzz on X reflects fans’ mixed feelings, with some urging the Bulls to keep Dosunmu as part of their young core alongside Buzelis and Giddey, while others see his trade potential as a way to land a star or future assets. The Bulls must weigh the emotional cost of trading a fan favorite against the strategic need to capitalize on his value before he hits free agency in 2026, where a rival could swoop in.

Dosunmu’s Broader Impact

Dosunmu’s trade value isn’t just about what he brings to the Bulls—it’s about what he could mean for the NBA at large. Contending teams like Denver or Cleveland could use his versatility to bolster their depth, while rebuilding teams might see him as a cornerstone. His ability to fit into any system, combined with his low salary, makes him a rare commodity in a league where cap space is king. As the trade market heats up—evidenced by 11 of the 20 starters in the 2025 Conference Finals being acquired via trade—Dosunmu could be the piece that tips the scales for a playoff contender or reshapes Chicago’s future.

Ayo Dosunmu may not be the flashiest name on the Chicago Bulls’ roster, but his value as a trade asset is undeniable. With a versatile skill set, an affordable contract, and a pivotal offseason ahead, he’s the hidden gem that could redefine the Bulls’ trajectory or spark a blockbuster deal elsewhere in the NBA. As the Eastern Conference faces uncertainty, Chicago has a chance to seize the moment—but at what cost? Trading a fan favorite like Dosunmu would hurt, but it could also unlock the assets needed to propel the Bulls into contention. Will Karnišovas pull the trigger on a trade, or will Dosunmu remain the heart of Chicago’s rebuild? One thing is certain: this unassuming guard is poised to make waves in 2025, whether in Chicago or beyond.