Ayo Dosunmu is in the final year of his current, three-year $21 million contract. The Chicago Bulls guard will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
As such, the Bulls’ front office is expected to test Dosunmu’s trade interest over the next few months. It makes more sense to try and trade him, with some assets heading back to Chicago in return, than to have him walk away for nothing in 12 months’ time.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Bulls should have no problem finding a willing trade partner for Dosunmu.
“Ayo Dosunmu is a key name to keep an eye on, not just for the Warriors, who have been interested in him previously, but other teams around the league as well,” Siegel reported. “There has been plenty of interest in Dosunmu as he enters the final year of his contract.”
At 25 years old, Dosunmu can slide into multiple types of rosters. He makes sense for rebuilding teams and teams trying to add some depth toward a playoff push. Or, he could be a smart addition to a contending team’s bench unit, providing scoring and playmaking in a limited role.
Last season, Dosunmu played in 46 games for Billy Donovan’s team, starting 26 and coming off the bench for 20. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 49.2% shooting from the field.
Bulls Still Negotiating With Josh Giddey
Before the front office can make a final decision on how to proceed with Dosunmu, they must secure Josh Giddey‘s long-term future. Both the player and the franchise appear to have reached a stalemate in contract negotiations.
Siegel noted that Giddey and the Bulls are expected to continue their negotiations in the near future, as both sides want to find an amicable solution.
“The Bulls have not offered more than a four-year contract in the $20 million per year range. However, the two sides are expected to reunite and negotiate and find common ground on a new deal this summer. No team outside of Chicago has expressed legitimate interest in Giddey due to his contract demands.”
Giddey is the long-term solution to the Bulls’ point guard position. They will likely work to find a price point that makes sense for both parties. Nevertheless, the contract negotiations have taken far longer than expected. Therefore, both sides should want to get things wrapped up sooner rather than later.
Josh Giddey’s Camp Holding Firm on Asking Price
On July 17, NBA Insider Jake Fischer provided an update on Giddey’s contract negotiations with the Bulls. He reported that the star guard’s representatives “have not wavered” in their asking price of $30 million per season.
“Back to Giddey and the Bulls: Chicago’s front office has no shortage of experience when it comes to waiting out a restricted free agency market,” Fischer reported. “This time, Giddey’s representation has not wavered in its pursuit of a $30 million annual salary, sources say, while the Bulls’ offers have been much closer to $20 million.”
Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 70 games last season. He shot the rock at a 46.5% clip from the field and 37.8% from deep. His performances gave him a strong negotiating position with the Bulls. However, the lack of interest from elsewhere in the NBA means that Chicago still has the advantage.
Bulls fans will undoubtedly hope that this saga reaches a positive conclusion soon. After all, it’s unlikely the front office will make any decision on Dosunmu’s future with the franchise until Giddey signs on the dotted line.
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