Ayo Dosunmu Pens Heartfelt Farewell to Chicago

The Bulls guard thanks fans, teammates, and the organization after being traded to the Timberwolves.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:15pm

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After being traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ayo Dosunmu posted a touching farewell letter to his hometown of Chicago on social media. Dosunmu, who was drafted out of the University of Illinois in 2021, spent five seasons with the Bulls and became a fan favorite for his energetic play and defensive intensity.

Why it matters

Dosunmu's departure marks the end of an era for the Bulls, as the young guard had become a key part of their rotation. His letter highlights the strong connection he developed with the city of Chicago and the Bulls organization during his time in the NBA.

The details

In the letter, Dosunmu expressed gratitude to his teammates, the coaching staff, the front office, and the Bulls fans, known as "BullsNation." He acknowledged that although his time in a Bulls uniform has come to an end, the experience of playing for his hometown team will always be a blessing. Dosunmu also vowed to never forget where he came from, stating that "you can take the kid out of Chicago, but never Chicago out of the kid."

  • Dosunmu was drafted by the Bulls in 2021 out of the University of Illinois.
  • Dosunmu played for the Bulls for five seasons, from 2021 to 2026.
  • On February 8, 2026, Dosunmu was traded from the Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A 25-year-old guard who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2021 and spent five seasons with the team, becoming a fan favorite for his energetic play and defensive intensity.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA franchise based in Chicago, Illinois, where Dosunmu grew up and played for the first five years of his professional career.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA team that acquired Dosunmu in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, receiving the young guard in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round draft picks.

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What they’re saying

“Dear Chicago, You'll always be my first love. From the halls of Beasley and MPHS to the tunnels of the United Center, you've been with me every step of the way.”

— Ayo Dosunmu (X (formerly Twitter)

“Thanks to my teammates, #BullsNation, the coaching staff and admin team, media and UC staff for an unforgettable five years! Although my time in a Bulls uniform may have come to an end, that's not the story; the story (and blessing) is that it happened.”

— Ayo Dosunmu (X (formerly Twitter)

“As I walk confidently through this new door God has opened, rest assured that I'll never forget where I came from-you can take the kid out of Chicago, but never Chicago out of the kid!”

— Ayo Dosunmu (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Dosunmu will join the Minnesota Timberwolves and look to continue his development as a two-way guard in a new environment.

The takeaway

Ayo Dosunmu's heartfelt farewell to Chicago highlights the strong connection he built with his hometown team and fans during his five-year tenure with the Bulls. His departure marks the end of an era, but his commitment to never forgetting his Chicago roots shows the lasting impact the city has had on his journey.