This Trade Picking Up Steam Should Worry All Of Chicago

Chicago fans have become accustomed to sifting through rumors year-round, separating the facts from the fantasies, and bracing for the worst possible outcome. This season has been no exception. Whether it’s been the endless talk of the amount of expiring contracts on the roster, the continued promise to exit mediocrity from the front office, or the baffling fact that Arturas Karnisovas or Billy Donovan still have jobs, the rumors have been at full strength. As the deadline nears, facts should begin to emerge from the smoke reports. Typically, the most repeated names, phrases, trades, or links between teams are the best indicators of what will happen. Based on the volume this player has received over the last two weeks, Chicago’s faithful fanbase should be extremely worried over the next 10 days.

Ayo Dosunmu Traffic Is Picking Up

Every year around this time, there are solid 15 to 20 sources that start spreading news around the league’s happenings. When several different outlets refer to the same player, worry starts to rise. According to Marc Stein, NBA correspondent and host of TheSteinLine, Dosunmu has been one of the most heavily sought-after targets in Chicago. This comes as no surprise to Bulls fans; he’s playing the most efficient and effective basketball of his career, and he’s in the final year of his contract.

The Chicago Bulls are "eager" to make a move at the deadline with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu most frequently mentioned as the most likely players that could be traded, per @TheSteinLine.

(via https://t.co/z2DDrsA46C) pic.twitter.com/AvRTxOemcv

— APHoops (@APH00PS) January 26, 2026

Unless the offer is insanely rich, the Bulls should avoid trading their hometown product at all costs. He’s proving to be a starting-caliber talent, thriving in an evolving role that has primarily been off the bench, excelling with fewer shots and minutes, and quickly becoming one of the most dependable and consistent players on the roster. Due to his size and defensive skills, he’s a better fit for the future than his running mate, Coby White, who should be dealt away for future assets.

Worst Case Scenario

It could turn ugly if Arturas Karnisovas trades away both young guards. While Tre Jones has played exceptionally well and will be a staple in Chicago for many years, the Bulls still need a sixth-man player off the bench. Trading away Dosunmu and White for minimal assets, as has been rumored or hypothesized in the leaked trade ideas thus far, would be a mistake by the front office. In this moment, it’s tough to determine how highly Karnisovas values his two main trade pieces, or what he would let them go for. Based on his history with the franchise at the trade deadline, the safest bet is that he will not sell them for cheap and would prefer they walk in unrestricted free agency before giving another team the advantage a few months prior for little in return.

The Timberwolves are showing interest in Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones, per @JCowleyHoops

“Another trade partner for the Bulls to keep an eye on is the Timberwolves. They have star guard Anthony Edwards and his supporting cast of center Rudy Gobert and forwards Julius… pic.twitter.com/tCjTIGwLpS

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 21, 2026

With how well he is finding his stride at the NBA level and how well he fits the future core of players, seeing Dosunmu dealt away in the next week would be devastating news for Chicago.