Months after the Chicago Bulls cut ties with Ayo Dosunmu, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent him a five-year offer.
Despite taking a major swing on LaMelo Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, the Timberwolves still invested $112 million in the ex-Bulls guard.
That’s a hefty price for the young veteran. One that was recently considered a top overpay of the 2026 NBA offseason.
Ex-Bulls Star Gets Harsh Reaction To $112 Million Deal
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates a three pointer against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the United Center on October 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently listed the top five overpays of the 2026 NBA offseason. Dosunmu’s deal ranks fourth on the list, trailing Kevin Huerter, Walker Kessler, and Trae Young.
“Minnesota might have felt backed into a corner by Donte DiVincenzo’s torn Achilles and an overall dearth of perimeter depth, but understanding why a deal wound up richer than it should have doesn’t change its nature,” Buckley wrote.
“The Wolves better hope those playoff flashesâagainst a bad Denver defense and on outlier shooting (68 points on 23-of-32)âwere for real, because that’s the only time Dosunmu looked worthy of a contract this rich.”
Should The Bulls Feel Good About The Ayo Dosunmu Trade?
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old wasn’t shipped out of Chicago due to performance concerns.
With his free agency looming, it was becoming clear that Dosunmu could be in line for a notable payday, which comes with a long-term deal.
Before getting traded, Dosunmu appeared in 45 games for the Bulls. He shot 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from three, to average 15.0 points.
In addition to his scoring, Dosunmu produced 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
The Bulls could afford to bring back Dosunmu, but the state of the team called for a rebuild. Selling off expiring contracts for in-season value made the most sense for the Bulls. As a result, Dosunmu was on his way out the door.
In return for Dosunmu and Julian Phillips, the Bulls landed Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
Two players on board for next season, along with notable draft capital.
The Bulls can feel good about escaping the idea of being on the wrong end of an overpay with Dosunmu, but that doesn’t mean they viewed him in a negative light.
Ultimately, the Bulls appreciated what the former second-round pick brought to the table.
Over five seasons, Dosunmu appeared in 324 games. He produced averages of 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with the Bulls.
Since joining the Timberwolves, Dosunmu’s production improved to 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
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