Sell High or Stay Home? Ayo Dosunmu Giving Bulls Tough Decision

With the trade deadline approaching, the Chicago Bulls must decide whether to trade or keep the breakout guard.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Ayo Dosunmu is having a career year for the Chicago Bulls, averaging nearly 17 points per game on 54% shooting. As the trade deadline approaches, the Bulls must decide whether to trade the 25-year-old guard or try to re-sign him this offseason. There are arguments on both sides - Dosunmu's value may never be higher, but he's also proving to be a valuable complementary piece that the rebuilding Bulls could keep around. The team's direction will ultimately determine whether they sell high on Dosunmu or try to keep him in Chicago.

Why it matters

The Bulls are at a crossroads, trying to decide if they should try to rebuild around a new star or continue to tread water in the middle of the Eastern Conference. Dosunmu's breakout season complicates that decision, as he could fetch valuable assets in a trade but also provides the team with a solid young player to build around.

The details

Dosunmu is averaging career-highs of 16.8 points, 4.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 54.2% from the field and 47.1% from 3-point range. His efficiency has put him in rare company, with only a few other players matching those numbers this season. However, Dosunmu has thrived in a sixth man role and may not project as a franchise-altering star, leading some to argue the Bulls should cash in on his value at the deadline.

  • The NBA trade deadline is on February 5, 2026.
  • Dosunmu will be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A 25-year-old guard for the Chicago Bulls who is having a breakout season, averaging career-highs in points, assists and shooting efficiency.

Arturas Karnisovas

The executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, who must decide whether to trade or keep Dosunmu ahead of the deadline.

Josh Giddey

A young guard who the Bulls could potentially pair with Dosunmu in their backcourt if they choose to keep him.

Coby White

A Bulls guard who, like Dosunmu, will be a free agent this offseason, and whose future in Chicago is also uncertain.

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What’s next

The Bulls have until the February 5th trade deadline to decide whether to trade Dosunmu or try to re-sign him this offseason.

The takeaway

Dosunmu's breakout season has put the Bulls in a difficult position, as they must weigh the short-term value of trading him for assets against the long-term potential of keeping him as part of their core. The team's direction will ultimately determine whether they sell high on Dosunmu or try to build around the young guard.